Preparing for your surgery and careful care of your surgical site post-surgery are important factors in the success of your treatment. We have prepared this thorough guide for you. Please read these instructions and ask us any questions you may have, we are here to help.
Pre-Operative Care
For most procedures, patients are administered local anesthesia and/or given adjuncts, such as IV sedation/general anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Dr. Kur will discuss these options with you ahead of time. For your safety, it's critical to follow the instructions carefully.
For all surgeries, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and make sure your sleeves can be rolled up above the elbow easily. Please remove nail polish and wear as little makeup as possible. For your comfort, you can listen to your own music during the procedure using small earbuds, not over-the-ear, “Beats”-type headsets.
If you have any questions regarding Dr. Kur's use of IV sedation and other anesthesia, please call us: 914-592-0440, or email westchesteroralsurgery@gmail.com
You will always be given local anesthesia for your surgery, but you may choose any of those listed below as a supplement. Each choice requires different preparation on you part, and for your safety it is important that you read and follow the instructions carefully. If you are unclear about anything, please ask Dr. Kur.
For all surgery, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily drawn up above the elbow. You will be awake and recall the surgery, but there should be no significant discomfort.
ORAL PREMEDICATION is medication taken by mouth; this may be prescribed as a supplement to local anesthesia.
- Take the medication at the time directed before your surgery.
- Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery unless you are also having intravenous or general anesthesia.
- It is not safe to drive after taking sedative drugs, and you MUST have someone drive you to and from surgery.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery.
NITROUS OXIDE is known as “laughing gas.” You will be relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings, but will recall most of the surgical event. Nitrous oxide is generally used in conjunction with local anesthesia, but may also be used to supplement the anesthetic below.
INTRAVENOUS SEDATION: Medications are given through a vein in your arm or hand, which will cause total relaxation. Although you will not actually be unconscious, you will recall very little, (if any) of the events surrounding surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for six (6) hours prior to surgery. However, it is important that you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, etc.) or any pre-medication prescription that we have provided, using only a small sip of water.
- For morning appointments, skip breakfast.
- For afternoon appointment, eat a light breakfast seven (7) hours before your appointment, and skip lunch.
- Take any regular medications with only enough water to get the pill down.
- You MUST have someone drive you home. The driver MUST remain on premises during procedure.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery.
Medications are given through a vein, which will result in total loss of consciousness, complete lack of recall of the event and usually a longer recovery time. General anesthesia has an excellent safety record as an office procedure, but may, if desired, be provided in a hospital setting. (Your health insurance may not cover you unless there is a bona fide medical reason for hospitalization).
- The same instructions offered above for intravenous sedation apply for general anesthesia.
If you prefer to listen to your own music, feel free to bring small earbuds.
Our goal is to provide you with a safe, pleasant, and effective anesthetic To do this it is imperative that we have your full cooperation. Please feel free to ask or call about any questions concerning your surgery or anesthetic.
