Pre-Operative Instructions:
Before Anesthesia

• This time has been reserved specifically for you. If you are unable to keep this appointment, wewould appreciate at least 24 hours’ notice. Other patients will appreciate your courtesy in releasing this time for them.
• Please adhere to the instructions carefully. These will ease your recovery. Go to bed early the evening before your surgical appointment. A well-rested patient is more comfortable.
• Brush your teeth the morning of surgery. This reduces the bacterial load in your mouth.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. We will apply a blood pressure cuff to one arm, so please wear clothing that permits access to one arm. Avoid heavy, bulky sweaters and sweatshirts. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate blood pressure reading. Light jackets are fine.
• Women: (a) Please do not wear heavy eye makeup. This can be difficult to clean after the procedure. (b) Please do not wear dark fingernail polish. This interferes with our ability to accurately measure your oxygen saturation during surgery. (c) Make sure to inform Dr. McPhillips if you are pregnant.
• Do not ingest alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment and for 72 hours after surgery.
• Do not smoke. Smoking adversely affects normal healing and predisposes you to a dry socket.
• Do not plan any activities the day of surgery. Rest is very important for your recovery. Depending on the difficulty of your procedure, several days may be required for recovery. You should be feeling better starting on the fourth day after surgery. By this time, you should be healing well, and soreness should be stabilized to a level in which you can comfortably resume normal activities.

For those who will undergo sedation for the procedure

• Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to your appointment. This includes coffee, tea, juices, water, and candies. Necessary medications can be taken with a sip of water.
• Do not wear contact lenses. Please wear glasses only.
• A responsible adult must accompany you and drive you home. If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the office. You will need to have someone you trust stay with you for the first 6 hours after you leave the office.
• Your driver must remain in the office for the duration of your procedure.