INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS HAVING ANESTHESIA

 

1.            To prepare for anesthesia, do not eat or drink any food  

         or liquid after midnight the night before your appointment. 

         (This includes water, coffee, juice, etc.)

 

  •           REASON:  Your stomach should be empty of food   

   and liquid to minimize the risk of vomiting.  

             (This can be an added risk during the anesthesia.)

 

  •        EXCEPTION:  If you are on daily medication that has  

      to  be taken in the morning, take it with the smallest 

      amount of water possible.  If you have any questions, 

      call your own doctor or our office.       

 

2.           Loose clothing should be worn; sleeves should be  

        easily drawn up past the elbow.  This will allow the placement of     

        monitors and the IV line.  No nylon pants. 

        Please remove nail polish.

 

3.            You will be questioned regarding your medical history and       

         general health.  Your blood pressure,

              pulse and heart will be monitored. 

              Please bring a list of all medications you are presently taking. 

 

4.            A responsible adult must accompany you and must be present 

         at the time of your surgery in order that they may accompany 

         you home and remain with you for eight (8) hours post-surgery.

 

5.            Any patient accepting anesthesia must follow the above

         instructions or you will risk cancelation, and must agree:

 

  •    NOT to drive a vehicle or operate any machinery within the 

            same day.

  •    NOT to undertake any responsible business matters 

           within the same day.

  •    NOT to drink any alcohol that day.
  •    NOT to take any medication without approval.

 

6.            Please call our office the day before your surgery if:

  •      You have any cold symptoms (including  cough,  

           congestion or sore throat)

  •      You are taking any NEW medication (including  

           antibiotics) since meeting with the doctor.

 

 

  Your cooperation in these matters will facilitate a smooth and pleasant experience.  Thank you.

 

 

POST SURGICAL CARE

 

BLEEDING A gauze sponge will be placed in your mouth to control bleeding.  Bite tightly into it applying pressure for approximately 45 minutes.  Carefully remove gauze.  

 

IF BLEEDING STILL OCCURS    Fold a moistened piece of gauze into fourths. Place moistened gauze into a plastic sandwich bag in freezer for 10 minutes.  Remove gauze from bag and place into bleeding socket.    Bite tightly into it applying pressure for approximately 45 minutes.

 

DO NOT KEEP GAUZE IN MOUTH FOR MORE THAN 2 HOURS. REMEMBER, IT IS NORMAL FOR A SMALL AMOUNT OF OOZING TO OCCUR FOR 24-28 HOURS.  IF HEAVY BLEEDING PERSISTS AFTER TWO HOURS, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE FOR ADDIITONAL INSTRUCTIONS (BEFORE 5:00 PM, IF POSSIBLE.)

 

TODAY

 

·         FOR 24 HOURS DO NOT rinse, spit, smoke or use straws.

·         DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH TODAY.

·         APPLY ice bag to face - 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.

·         REST – physical activity should be limited.

·         SLEEP with your head elevated on 2 or 3 pillows.

·         AVOID alcohol and hot liquids for 24 hours.

·         DIET – cold, soft foods until numbness wears off.  Warm, soft foods may be tried later in day.  Any soft foods desired may be eaten.  Begin with clear liquids (ginger ale, apple juice, water, etc.).  As your stomach can tolerate it, begin to eat soft, solid high protein foods (eggs, milk and milk products, frappes, ice cream, cottage cheese, pudding or baked potato, baked beans, melon, etc.).  Continue soft diet for 4-5 days. 

 

TOMORROW

 

·         BRUSH TEETH AS USUAL, avoiding areas of extractions and stitches.

·         Rinse with warm, salted water after meals. (Add ¼ teaspoon of table salt to an 

       8 ounce glass of warm water)    

           Rinses may be continued for several days.

·         CONTINUE TO USE THE ICE BAG on the face to help minimize the swelling. 

       Day 3 after surgery switch to moist hot packs - 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.

·         IF YOUR LIPS ARE STILL NUMB, be careful when using the ice and when  

       using food utensils.  Application of Vaseline is useful and soothing.

 

FOR PAIN

 

Take medication prescribed.  As the pain decreases, take 2 Tylenol tablets every 4 hours (if you are able to take Tylenol).

 

Sutures may be placed in your mouth.  DO NOT DISLODGE THEM.  They will be removed in one week if necessary (in most cases the sutures used are resorbable and will dissolve on their own).  Please call for a check-up appointment if you do not have one.  In case of any undue discomfort or concern, call us Day or Night at our Plymouth or Sandwich office.