Before your procedure, it’s crucial to follow pre-operative instructions diligently to ensure your safety and optimize your recovery. From dietary restrictions to medication management, our guidelines are designed to streamline your surgical experience and minimize potential risks.
Please review the following instructions carefully and contact us with any questions or concerns. Your well-being is our top priority at Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah. These are general guidelines. We will provide specific instructions tailored to your surgery. Be sure to follow these and your specific instructions carefully.
Arrange for Transportation
You will likely be unable to drive home after surgery due to anesthesia or medication. To ensure a safe and comfortable recovery, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. This will allow you to focus on resting and healing without having to worry about driving or making important decisions.
Fasting Instructions
You will likely be instructed to withhold food and drink (including water) for a certain amount of time before surgery. The specific timeframe will depend on the type of anesthesia used.
For instance, if you are receiving general anesthesia, you will typically need to stop eating and drinking anything other than clear liquids 8 hours before surgery. If you are having local anesthesia with sedation, you may only be instructed to avoid solid foods and stick to clear liquids for a few hours beforehand. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions based on your specific procedure.
Medications
Discuss all medications you take regularly with our oral surgeons, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. They will advise you on whether and how to take them before surgery. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or stopped before surgery.
Smoking and Alcohol
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before surgery. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of infection. Alcohol can negatively interact with anesthesia and medications.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing with short sleeves on the day of surgery. This will allow for easy access to the surgical site and make you more comfortable during the procedure. Avoid wearing jewelry, makeup, and nail polish. Jewelry can get in the way during surgery and makeup, or nail polish can interfere with monitoring your oxygen levels.
Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth thoroughly and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash before surgery. Good oral hygiene helps to reduce the bacteria in your mouth, which can help prevent infection after surgery.
Medical History Disclosure
Inform your doctor or surgeon of any recent illnesses, allergies, or medical conditions you have, including any changes in your health since your initial consultation. The more your doctor or surgeon knows about your medical history, the better equipped they will be to provide you with safe and effective care.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to ensure your surgical journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
