Eating and Drinking
It is extremely important that patients have an empty stomach. Vomiting of stomach contents during anesthesia is life threatening. ALL CHILDREN SHOULD NOT have any solid food/ of any kind or milk; including/breast milk after MIDNIGHT prior to their surgery. Clear Liquids (water/sprite/apple juice) allowed 4 hours prior to surgery that is scheduled at 12 noon or later) Example is 0800 (water allowed for 12 noon surgery)-NO FOOD. A parent must supervise children on the day of the appointment. Do not leave your child unattended or send your child to school/day care on the day of surgery.
Change in Health
Any change in health, especially the development of a cold, cough, flu or fever is extremely important information for the anesthesiologist. Please notify our office immediately if there is any change in your health or the health of your child.
Medications
Prescription medications should be taken as scheduled, only with a sip of water, unless previously discussed by the anesthesiologist.
Clothing and Contacts
Short sleeves, loose-fitting pants and comfortable shoes are advised. Do not wear makeup, nail polish, or false eyelashes. Contact lenses must be removed before anesthesia. Please leave all valuables at home. For children, bring a change of clothing and a warm blanket. If possible, have your child wear a diaper.
Designated Driver
A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office and remain during the procedure. You will not be allowed to leave by taxi or bus. Arrange to have a responsible adult spend the rest of the day with you. Do not plan on operating any equipment for twenty-four (24) hours after the anesthesia.
Questions
Prior to your anesthesia, one of the anesthesiologists will contact you to discuss your anesthesia and answer any questions that you may have. Failure to abide by these instructions could result in cancellation of your appointment and forfeiture of your deposit.
Eating, Drinking, and Smoking
Limit oral intake to liquids for the first few hours. Begin with water and follow with sweet liquids such as sport drinks, clear juice and soda as tolerated. If teeth were extracted, do not use a straw. Food can be consumed following liquids as tolerated. Soft foods we suggest are scrambled eggs, applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups. If your child is not hungry, do not force him/her to eat, but encourage as much liquid as tolerated. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages and/or smoking for 24 hours following anesthesia.
Activities
Do not drive and/or engage in moderate to high level physical activity for 24 hours or until the effects of the anesthetic have completely subsided. Judgment may also be impaired during this time, so please avoid making any major life decisions. For children, do not allow them to swim, bike, skate or play with other children until fully recovered. Place a blanket on the floor for the child to rest and observe him/her closely.
Pain or Fever
Muscle aches and a sore throat may occur similar to the flu following anesthesia. These symptoms are very common and will usually disappear within 24 to 36 hours. Medications such as Tylenol and Advil are usually very effective and should be taken at the first sign of pain, if normally tolerated. For children, a fever of up to 101 degrees Fahrenheit may develop for the first l2 hours. Tylenol Elixir every 3 to 4 hours with plenty of liquids will tend to alleviate this condition as well as treat any post-operative discomfort.
Seek Advice
If vomiting occurs and persists beyond 5 hours, if temperature remains elevated beyond 24hrs, or if you have other serious concerns following anesthesia, please contact: Your dentist’s office- In the event of a serious medical emergency, please call 911.
I HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND RECEIVED A COPY OF THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS:
SIGNED : ___________________________
DATE : ___________________________