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Preparing for a dental procedure with anesthesia involves more than simply arriving on time for your appointment. Following pre-operative instructions helps reduce risks, supports a smoother procedure, and allows your anesthesia team to provide care as safely as possible.
Table of Contents
- What Not To Do Before Anesthesia
- Smoking and Nicotine Before Anesthesia
- Tell Your Anesthesia Team About All Medications
- Follow Fasting Instructions Carefully
- Arrange Transportation and Recovery Assistance
- Preparing for Anesthesia at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists
- Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL
- FAQs
What Not To Do Before Anesthesia
The most important preparation step is following the instructions provided by your oral surgeon and anesthesia team. While recommendations vary based on your health history and the type of anesthesia being used, there are several common mistakes patients should avoid before surgery.
These may include:
- Eating or drinking when instructed to fast
- Smoking or using nicotine products
- Taking medications that your surgeon has asked you to stop
- Failing to disclose medications, supplements, or medical conditions
- Drinking alcohol before surgery
- Arriving without a responsible adult driver when required
Your surgical team will provide instructions specific to your procedure and health history.
Smoking and Nicotine Before Anesthesia
Smoking is one of the most important habits to avoid before oral surgery. Nicotine affects blood vessels and circulation, which can interfere with healing and may increase the risk of complications during recovery.
Smoking can also affect the lungs and airway, which are important considerations when anesthesia is being administered.
We recommend avoiding smoking for at least two days before surgery and throughout the recovery period whenever possible.
Tell Your Anesthesia Team About All Medications
One of the most important ways to prepare for anesthesia is to provide a complete list of medications and supplements you take.
This includes:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins
- Herbal supplements
- Weight loss medications
- Recreational drug use (including cannabis)
- Tobacco and nicotine products
Some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before surgery. Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or prescribing physician.
Follow Fasting Instructions Carefully
If IV anesthesia or general anesthesia is planned, you will receive instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your procedure.
Food or liquid in the stomach during anesthesia can increase the risk of serious complications. For this reason, fasting instructions should be followed exactly as provided by your surgical team.
If you accidentally eat or drink after the cutoff time, contact the office before your appointment.
Arrange Transportation and Recovery Assistance
Patients receiving IV anesthesia are not able to drive themselves home after surgery.
Before your appointment, arrange for a responsible adult to:
- Drive you to the office
- Remain available during the procedure if requested
- Drive you home afterward
- Stay with you during the initial recovery period if instructed
Having these arrangements in place ahead of time can help your appointment proceed as scheduled.
Preparing for Anesthesia at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists
At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, patient safety begins before the procedure starts. Our team reviews your medical history, medications, and treatment plan to provide individualized anesthesia instructions and answer any questions before surgery.
Open and honest communication is important. We encourage patients to share all medications, supplements, nicotine use, recreational drug use, and health concerns without hesitation. Our goal is not to judge but to gather the information needed to plan anesthesia safely and help your procedure go as smoothly as possible.
Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL
If you have questions about anesthesia or are preparing for an upcoming oral surgery procedure, our team is available to help. Clear communication and proper preparation can help your treatment proceed safely and comfortably.
To schedule a wisdom tooth consultation at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W Field Pkwy #220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, but many oral surgeons recommend avoiding smoking for several days before surgery and throughout the healing period afterward.
Some medications may be taken as directed, while others may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped. Always follow the instructions provided by your surgical and anesthesia team.
Contact your surgeon’s office as soon as possible. Depending on the timing and type of procedure, your appointment may need to be rescheduled for safety reasons.
Some supplements can affect bleeding, blood pressure, heart rate, or how anesthesia medications work. Providing a complete list helps your team plan your care safely.
