Before Surgery
Pre-Operative Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully before your surgical appointment at Desert Maxillofacial Center.
Introduction
Preparing for Your Oral Surgery Procedure
Following these instructions helps keep your procedure safe, comfortable, and on schedule. The requirements below depend on the type of anesthesia planned for your procedure. If you are unsure which instructions apply to you, please call our office at 760-837-1515 before your appointment.
Any specific instructions given to you by Dr. Erondu or our team take priority over the general information on this page.
IV Sedation
If You Are Having IV Sedation
IV sedation allows you to remain comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. For your safety, the following requirements must be met. If they are not, your surgery may need to be rescheduled.
Important
Eating and Drinking
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, gum, or mints, for 8 hours before your appointment.
- If your appointment is in the morning, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- You may take routine prescription medications with a small sip of water unless instructed otherwise.
Transportation and Supervision
- A responsible adult must bring you to the office, remain in the office during your procedure, and drive you home.
- You may not drive, take a taxi or rideshare alone, or use public transportation after sedation.
- A responsible adult should stay with you for the rest of the day.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation.
Clothing and Personal Items
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up above the elbow.
- Wear low-heeled, closed shoes.
- Remove contact lenses, jewelry, dentures, and oral piercings before surgery.
- Do not wear lipstick, heavy makeup, or nail polish, which can interfere with monitoring equipment.
Smoking and Alcohol
- Do not smoke or use nicotine products for at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, avoid smoking for as long as possible before and after your procedure.
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before surgery.
Local Anesthesia
If You Are Having Local Anesthesia Only
If your procedure will be completed with local anesthesia only, you may eat a light meal before your appointment. Take your routine medications as usual unless our team has told you otherwise.
You may drive yourself to and from the office. However, if you would feel more comfortable having someone with you, you are welcome to bring a companion.
Medications
Medications Before Surgery
Please bring a complete list of all medications and supplements you take, including dosages. Tell our team about any changes to your health or medications since your consultation.
- Continue taking your regular medications, including blood pressure, heart, thyroid, and seizure medications, with a small sip of water unless instructed otherwise.
- If you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), Eliquis, Xarelto, or aspirin, do not stop them on your own. Our office will coordinate with your physician and give you specific instructions.
- If you have diabetes, ask our team how to manage your insulin or oral medications on the day of surgery, since you will be fasting.
- If you have been prescribed an antibiotic or other medication to take before surgery, take it as directed.
- If you have a heart condition, artificial joint, or other condition that has required antibiotics before dental work in the past, please let us know before your appointment.
Health Changes
If You Become Ill Before Surgery
If you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, fever, upset stomach, or any other illness in the days before your appointment, please call our office. Surgery under sedation may need to be postponed until you have recovered.
Please also inform us if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.
Minors
Patients Under 18
A parent or legal guardian must accompany any patient under the age of 18, remain in the office during the procedure, and sign the required consent forms. The same eating, drinking, and transportation requirements apply to minors.
Day of Surgery
On the Day of Your Surgery
- Arrive at your scheduled time. If you have not yet completed your registration and consent forms, please arrive 15 minutes early.
- Bring your photo identification, insurance cards, and any forms provided by our office.
- Bring a list of your medications.
- Brush your teeth before your appointment, but do not swallow any water if you are having IV sedation.
- Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day.
Preparing Your Home
Preparing for Your Recovery at Home
A little preparation before surgery makes the first few days of recovery easier.
- Fill any prescriptions before your surgery date if they have been provided in advance, or arrange for someone to pick them up afterward.
- Stock up on soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, pudding, and protein shakes.
- Have ice packs or bags of frozen peas ready for swelling.
- Have extra pillows available so you can keep your head elevated while resting.
- Plan to take time off from work, school, or strenuous activity as recommended by our team.
Questions
Questions Before Your Surgery?
If you have any questions about these instructions, your anesthesia plan, or your medications, please call our office at 760-837-1515 before the day of your appointment. We are happy to help.
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We Are Here to Help
Our Rancho Mirage team is committed to making your surgical experience safe and comfortable. Call Desert Maxillofacial Center at 760-837-1515 with any questions before your procedure.