Instructions Before IV Sedation or Anesthesia

Please follow these instructions carefully when preparing for oral surgery with IV sedation or anesthesia. Following your preoperative instructions is important for your safety and may help prevent the need to delay or reschedule your procedure.

Eating & Drinking Before Anesthesia

  • Do not eat any food for at least 8 hours before your procedure.
  • Clear liquids are allowed until 2 hours before your appointment. Examples include water and clear sports drinks such as Gatorade.
  • Do not eat or drink anything during the final 2 hours before your appointment unless your surgeon has specifically instructed you otherwise.

If you are unsure whether something is considered a clear liquid, please contact our office before consuming it.

Medications

In many cases, regular morning medications can be taken with a small sip of water. However, some medications require special instructions before anesthesia.

Please follow the medication instructions provided by your surgeon. If you are uncertain whether to take a medication on the day of surgery, contact our office before your appointment.

GLP-1 medications: If you take a GLP-1 medication for diabetes or weight management, such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound), or another similar medication, please inform our office before your procedure. These medications can affect stomach emptying and may require specific instructions from your surgeon before anesthesia.

Smoking, Vaping, Marijuana & Cannabis

Do not smoke or vape for at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, reduce or stop smoking and vaping as far in advance of your procedure as possible.

Please tell your surgeon if you use marijuana or cannabis in any form, including smoking, vaping, or edible products. Cannabis use can affect your response to anesthesia, and your surgeon may provide specific instructions based on how frequently you use it, the type of product, and when it was last used.

Transportation & Responsible Adult

  • A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain available during your procedure, and drive you home afterward.
  • You may not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours following IV sedation or anesthesia.
  • Please arrange for a responsible adult to assist you after surgery as directed by our office.

What to Wear

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Please wear a short-sleeved shirt or clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled above the elbow.
  • Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
  • Do not wear lipstick or heavy makeup.
  • Nail polish and artificial nails can sometimes interfere with monitoring equipment. You may be asked to remove polish or an artificial nail from at least one finger if needed for appropriate monitoring.

If You Become Sick Before Surgery

Please contact our office if you develop a cold, cough, sore throat, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or another illness before your procedure. Depending on your symptoms and the planned anesthesia, your surgeon may need to determine whether it is appropriate to proceed.

Questions Before Your Procedure?

If you have questions about eating or drinking, medications, transportation, illness, or any other anesthesia instructions, please contact our office before your appointment rather than making changes on your own.