Pre-Operative Instructions for Oral Surgery

Westchester Oral & Maxillofacial Associates
Dr. Benjamin Kur, DDS
Dr. Julia Abend, DDS

19 Bradhurst Avenue, Suite 2500N
Hawthorne, NY 10532

Phone: 914-592-0440
Fax: 914-592-0455

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Preparing properly for your procedure and carefully following post-operative instructions are important factors in achieving the best possible outcome. Please review these instructions thoroughly prior to your procedure. If you have any questions, our team at Westchester Oral & Maxillofacial Associates is always available to assist you.

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General Preparation for Surgery

For your safety and comfort, please follow these guidelines before your procedure:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. A short-sleeve shirt is recommended so your arm is easily accessible for monitoring or IV placement if needed.

• Do not wear jewelry, including facial piercings.

• Please remove nail polish and wear minimal makeup.

• Remove contact lenses prior to your procedure if sedation or anesthesia will be used. Glasses may be worn.

• Dentures, retainers, and removable dental appliances must be removed prior to surgery.

• Arrange for appropriate transportation if sedation or medication will be used.

• Notify our office if there are any changes in your health, including fever, cold, cough, illness, or new medications.

• If antibiotics or other medications have been prescribed, follow the instructions provided by our office or your surgeon.

Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient surgical experience. Your cooperation with these instructions is essential.

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Smoking, Vaping, and Marijuana Use

For the safety of your anesthesia and to promote proper healing:

• Do not smoke, vape, or use marijuana for at least 24 hours prior to surgery.

• Smoking and vaping increase the risk of complications, including dry socket and delayed healing.

• After surgery, you will receive instructions on when it is safe to resume smoking or vaping.

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If You Become Ill Before Surgery

If you develop any of the following symptoms prior to your procedure, please contact our office as soon as possible:

• Fever

• Cold or flu symptoms

• Persistent cough

• Sore throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Vomiting or gastrointestinal illness

In some cases, your procedure may need to be rescheduled to ensure your safety during anesthesia and surgery.

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Anesthesia Options and Instructions

All surgical procedures are performed using local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. Depending on the procedure and your preference, additional sedation options may be available and will be discussed with you by your surgeon.

Each option requires different preparation. Please follow the instructions associated with your selected anesthesia method.

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Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area while you remain fully awake.

Instructions:

• You may eat a light meal a few hours prior to surgery.

• Continue taking your regular medications unless otherwise directed.

• Plan to rest for a few hours following your procedure.

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Oral Sedation (Premedication)

Oral sedation medication may be prescribed to help reduce anxiety before your procedure.

Instructions:

• Take the medication exactly as directed by your surgeon.

• You may have a light meal prior to surgery, unless instructed otherwise.

• You must have a responsible adult escort accompany you to the office and drive you home.

• Your escort must arrive with you to the appointment and remain in the office for the duration of the procedure.

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after taking sedative medication.

• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

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Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide helps reduce anxiety and allows you to remain relaxed during treatment.

Instructions:

• You may have a light meal approximately 2–3 hours prior to surgery.

• Nitrous oxide is typically used in combination with local anesthesia.

• It is recommended that someone drive you home following your procedure.

• Plan to take it easy for the remainder of the day.

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Intravenous (IV) Sedation

IV sedation medications are administered through a vein in your arm or hand to provide deep relaxation. Most patients remember little or nothing about the procedure.

Instructions:

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to surgery, including water.

• Take your regular medications only if instructed, using a small sip of water.

• You must have a responsible adult escort accompany you to the office and drive you home.

• Your escort must be present upon arrival, check in with you, and remain in the office for the entire duration of your procedure.

• Patients will not be discharged without their escort present in the office.

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform important tasks for 24 hours after sedation.

• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

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General Anesthesia

General anesthesia produces a state of full unconsciousness and complete lack of awareness during the procedure. This form of anesthesia is administered by a licensed anesthesia provider.

Instructions:

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to surgery, including water.

• A responsible adult escort must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home afterward.

• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid normal activities for 24 hours.

For procedures involving general anesthesia, additional requirements may apply.

All pre-operative requirements related to general anesthesia, including but not limited to:

• medical clearances

• required medical documentation

• anesthesia forms

• anesthesia-related fees

must be discussed directly with the anesthesia team managing your care.

The anesthesia provider will contact you separately with specific instructions and required documentation. It is important that you follow their instructions and complete any required forms promptly to avoid delays or rescheduling of your procedure.

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Patients Under 18 Years of Age

Patients 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

A legal guardian must be the individual who has legal authority to make medical decisions for the patient.

The following do not qualify as a legal guardian unless legal guardianship documentation is provided:

• siblings

• other family members

• grandparents

• step-parents

• family friends

If a legal guardian is not present at the appointment, the procedure may need to be postponed.

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Day of Surgery Expectations

• Follow all pre-operative instructions carefully.

• If sedation is used, your escort must be present upon arrival and remain in the office for the duration of the procedure.

• Patients receiving sedation cannot leave the office unaccompanied.

• Following surgery, you should plan to rest and limit activity for the remainder of the day.

• Detailed post-operative instructions will be provided after your procedure.

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Questions or Concerns

If you have questions regarding your surgery, anesthesia, medications, or preparation, please contact:

Westchester Oral & Maxillofacial Associates
19 Bradhurst Avenue, Suite 2500N
Hawthorne, NY 10532

Phone: 914-592-0440
Fax: 914-592-0455

Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives safe, comfortable, and high-quality surgical care.