Instructions to Patients Having Dental Procedures Under Conscious Sedation

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY PRIOR TO YOUR TREATMENT DATE

ARRIVAL

• Refer to this page until your final pre-operative visit.
• Please arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment time.  This allows us time to assess you and provide an oral sedative prior to your treatment.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to your sedation treatment.
• Please bring your Health Card to you appointment.

TRANSPORTATION

• Do not bring your car on the day of surgery unless someone else will drive you home.
• You are not permitted to operate a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery for a minimum of 18 hours following the sedation, or longer if drowsiness or dizziness persists.
• YOU MUST ARRANGE TO HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO ACCOMPANY YOU HOME AFTER THE SEDATION AND TO CARE FOR YOU AT HOME THE FIRST NIGHT AFTER YOUR TREATMENT.
• Sedation cannot be given unless these conditions are met.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

• The minimum duration of fasting prior to your appointment:
  • 8 hours after a meal that includes meat, fried or fatty foods
  • 6 hours after a light meal (toast, clear fluid) or after ingestion of infant formula or non-human milk
  • 4 hours after ingestion of breast milk
  • 2 hours after ingestion of clear fluids (water, pulp-free fruit juices, carbonated beverages, clear tea or black coffee)
• ***DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL 24 HOURS PRIOR TO OR AFTER SURGERY***

MEDICATION

• Medications that are regularly used, especially for heart conditions or high blood pressure, should be taken with a sip of water the day of surgery.  Discuss this with your dentist.
• It is important to disclose all medical conditions, or drugs used (prescribed or recreational) as this could affect your response to the sedative.
• Prescription medication can be faxed to your pharmacy for faster pick-up after surgery.
• DO NOT TAKE UNPRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT

CLOTHING

• Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• We need easy access to your arm for taking your blood pressure.
• Remove any nail polish prior to your appointment (for monitoring blood oxygen levels)

SMOKING

• Refrain from smoking 24 hours prior to surgery

CHANGE IN HEALTH STATUS
In the event of a change in your health, even minor illness, in the week prior to your operation, please contact us as postponement may be necessary.  We require 7 days notice for cancellation or rescheduling of your appointment.  There is a non-refundable charge that will apply if notice is not given.