Pre Op Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS BEFORE ANESTHESIA

The instructions herein must be strictly adhered to before commencing with anesthesia. Neglecting any of the following may compel the doctor to cancel the start of treatment.

Eating and Drinking 

Patient for nitrous (laughing gas procedure cannot have any solid food for 2 hours prior to the appointment.  Clear liquid up to time of  appointment is allowed.

Patients for oral sedation or IV sedation cannot have any solid food or liquids for 8 hours prior to the appointment.

Medications

All medications should typically be taken regularly, including the morning of the procedure, unless otherwise agreed upon by this office, and may be taken only with a sip of water before arriving.

Some medications has interaction with the anesthesia medication. Please therefore speak to the dentist to see if you need to modify the medications

Clothing and Makeup

Your child should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (no tight jeans) with short sleeves to the appointment. Bring a change of clothing with you.

Change in Health

Any change in health, especially the development of a cold or fever, is very important. For your safety, you may be reappointed for another day. If possible, inform the office of any change in health before your appointment.

Arriving

Your child must be accompanied by at least one, preferably two, responsible adults for the anesthetic appointment. Attend to the bowel and urinary needs before the appointment—plan to arrive a few minutes early so the doctor can review the medical history. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS FOLLOWING ANESTHESIA

Getting Home

Your child may be drowsy or dizzy for a time after discharge from the officer. This dizziness is common as the drugs are wearing off. Your child may be irritable during this time. Children should be under adult supervision until the next day and not be allowed to travel unrestrained in a vehicle (use seatbelts or car seats), or play near streets, stairways, or other areas where injuries could occur. Please call the Dental office upon arriving home as a follow-up.

Pain

Depending upon the procedure performed, there may be some pain or discomfort. Allow the child to take the prescribed medication or Tylenol / Advil as directed to minimize or eliminate this problem. Children with fair skin may exhibit mild blotchiness during the immediate recovery period – this is not necessarily an allergic reaction. A low-grade fever is also possible due to dehydration. If this occurs, encourage fluids and analgesics. Feel free to call the Dental office at any time with any concerns.

Drinking and Eating

As soon as the patient is able, he or she should drink plenty of room temperature clear liquids such as water, fruit juices, Gator-aid, or carbonated beverages to help reduce occasional nausea or vomiting in children following anesthesia and prevent dehydration. Fluid during the day of surgery is essential – solid food is not. Soft foods may be taken when desired but not immediately forced.

Intravenous Site

A tiny percentage of patients experience post-operative tenderness and redness in their hand or arm, chemical phlebitis associated with intravenous infusion. If this occurs, patients should keep the arm elevated, apply warm (100 F) moist heat as much as possible, and take an anti-inflammatory agent. Should any other unusual situation or questions arise, contact the anesthesiologist or the dental office immediately.