In the Weeks Before
Two things to take care of early:
- Complete your health history online.List every medication you take, including vitamins and anything over the counter. This helps our anesthesia team keep you safe.
- Arrange your ride home.You'll need an adult, 18 or older, to drive you home after surgery. You can't drive yourself, take a taxi alone, or ride the bus alone after being put to sleep or sedated.
Eating and Drinking
Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before your surgery. That includes water, gum, and candy. If you eat or drink anything during those 8 hours, your surgery will have to be rescheduled for your safety.
Doctors call this NPO before anesthesia, which means “nothing by mouth.” An empty stomach keeps you safe while you're put to sleep or sedated.
Can my child eat before dental surgery? No. The same 8-hour rule applies to children. Give your child a good meal the evening before, and keep snacks and drinks out of sight on the morning of surgery.
Take your daily medications with a small sip of water, unless our team tells you otherwise.
What to Wear and Bring
- Loose, comfortable clothes with short sleeves, so the team can easily check your blood pressure and place monitors.
- Flat, closed-toe shoes.
- No nail polish, since the team checks your oxygen with a sensor on your finger.
- Leave valuables at home, including jewelry.
Who Comes With You
- If the patient is under 18:a parent or legal guardian must come and stay the whole time. They sign the consent forms before surgery.
- For every patient:a responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your surgery.
These are part of our dental surgery pre-op instructions, and they keep you safe while the anesthesia wears off.
Common Questions
Can my child eat before dental surgery?
No. Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery, including water, gum and candy. The same rule applies to children.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear loose, comfortable clothes with short sleeves, so the team can easily check your blood pressure and place monitors.
Who needs to come with me?
If the patient is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come and stay the whole time. Every patient needs a responsible adult to drive them home and stay with them for 24 hours.
What happens on surgery day?
You check in, meet your care team, and are put to sleep or sedated for treatment. Most patients go home the same day, once our team clears them.For more details, see:Surgery Day →
How do I prepare my child for dental surgery?
Follow the 8-hour rule for eating and drinking. Give your child a good meal the evening before, and keep snacks and drinks out of sight on the morning of surgery.For more details, see:How to Prepare Your Child for Dental Surgery
How do I prepare someone with special needs for surgery?
Tell us about the person you care for when you reach out, and we'll walk you through the next steps.For more details, see:How to Prepare a Special Needs Patient for Dental Surgery
