
General Guidelines for All Procedures
Carefully follow all guidelines provided by our office and, most importantly, practice good oral hygiene. Additional instructions regarding various types of treatment can be found on the Patient Instructions page. In an emergency, please call our office. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Lubbock Office: 806-722-3637
Hobbs Office: 575-408-8840
Video Transcript: Pre-Surgery Preparation Instructions
Video Transcript: Pre-Surgery Preparation Instructions
The following is a full text transcript of the video for accessibility. Total runtime: approximately 2 minutes, 15 seconds.
General Pre-Surgery Guidelines
Surgery coming up? Let's get you ready. Whether you're having local anesthesia or IV sedation, there are a few things everyone needs to know. Your scheduled surgery time is tentative. We'll contact you about 24 hours prior with your arrival time, so make sure we can reach you. Take your regular medications as directed, unless your surgeon told you otherwise. If you are ever unsure about a medication, don't guess—give our surgical team a call. Has anything changed since we saw you? A new illness, a new diagnosis, perhaps a new medication, a hospitalization, or pregnancy? Let us know before surgery. If you're under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to your appointment. You're always welcome to bring a clean blanket for comfort[cite: 4]. We simply ask that it's free of pet hair and other debris to help us maintain a clean surgical environment[cite: 4].
Local Anesthesia & Oral Sedation Requirements
If you've selected to stay awake for your procedure, you can eat and drink as normal and are not required to have a driver unless you want one[cite: 4]. If your oral surgeon prescribed a medication such as Valium or any other meds to help you relax before your procedures, you must have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment[cite: 4].
IV Sedation & General Anesthesia Instructions
If you choose IV sedation or general anesthesia, we have a few additional instructions[cite: 4]. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery[cite: 4]. Food or liquid in your stomach during anesthesia can be dangerous and may cause your procedure to be rescheduled[cite: 4]. You must have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment[cite: 4]. Your driver is required to remain in our office during your entire procedure[cite: 4].
Surgery Fit Check & Specific Medical Guidelines
Now for your Surgery Fit Check: no long sleeves, no contacts, hair pulled back, no makeup, no nail polish, and no jewelry[cite: 4]. If you take medication for high blood pressure or long-term oral steroids, take your medication two hours prior to your appointment with only a small sip of water, unless directed otherwise by your surgeon[cite: 4]. If you use a daily maintenance inhaler, you may use it the morning of surgery as usual[cite: 4]. If you have a rescue inhaler, such as an albuterol inhaler, please bring it with you to your appointment[cite: 4]. If you have diabetes, please check your blood sugar about one hour before your procedure[cite: 4].
Conclusion
Okay, you're ready for surgery[cite: 4]. You're in good hands[cite: 4]. We'll see you soon[cite: 4].
End of transcript.
