It’s crucial for patients to follow the pre-operative instructions from our oral surgeons. Here are some general pre-operative instructions, though specific recommendations can vary based on the procedure and your individual needs:
Fasting: Typically, patients are advised not to eat or drink anything (including water) for 6 to 12 hours before surgery, especially if general anesthesia or IV sedation will be used.
Medications: Inform your surgeon of all medications and supplements you take. They might instruct you on which ones to continue, which to stop, or if any dosages should be adjusted.
No Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery. Smoking can interfere with the surgical process and healing afterward.
Clothing: Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish, or any other accessories.
Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth before coming in for surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment, especially if you will be sedated.
Avoid Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure.
Discuss Illness: If you become ill (e.g., cold, flu, or fever) shortly before your surgery, notify the oral surgeon. It may be necessary to reschedule.
Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel anxious. Consider relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, to calm pre-surgery jitters.
Inform about Allergies: Make sure the surgeon is aware of any allergies you have, especially to medications or anesthesia.
No Nail Polish or Acrylic Nails: This allows the surgical team to easily monitor your blood circulation during the procedure.e
Be sure to ask about anything else you may have questions about before your procedure. It’s crucial to follow our recommendations closely to ensure the best possible surgical outcome and recovery.
If you have any questions about what to do before your procedure, don’t hesitate to contact Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts for the answers you need. You can call our McLean office at (703) 388-2805, Reston office at (571) 595-3223, or Leesburg office at (703) 723-5366 for any immediate needs.
