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Tips for a successful anaesthesia appointment

Tips for a successful anaesthesia appointment

  • Date:June 10, 2013

Sleep for Dentistry offers the following tips for achieving a successful experience before and after your anaesthetic/sedation appointment.

Steps To A Successful Anaesthesia Appointment
  1. Do not eat 8 hours prior to an anaesthetic appointment.
  2. Clear liquids are permitted up to 2 hours prior to an anaesthetic appointment. Examples include clear fruit juices (no pulp), black coffee or tea (sugar is allowed but no milk, cream or whitener), pop (regular or diet), gelatine desserts (e.g. Jello), popsicles, and water.
  3. If you are taking medications or you are diabetic, please ask us for special rules.
  4. Please empty your bladder just prior to your appointment.
  5. (optional) In order to numb the skin at an IV site, apply EMLA® patches 1 hour before your appointment (check with the nurse regarding the site).
  6. Coughs and colds can interfere with anaesthesia. Please call if you or your child is sick in the days preceding an appointment.
After An Anaesthetic/Sedation Appointment
  1. The medications given can remain in your system for up to 24 hours, therefore you must not drive or operate any machinery for this period of time. It is not uncommon to feel sedated again a few hours after your appointment.
  2. You must refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours following an anaesthetic appointment.
  3. In order to aid your recovery, you should drink plenty of fluids. Also, you can eat as soon as you are comfortable. Light, easily digested foods are best.
  4. The “freezing” wears off in 2-4 hours. Avoid hot foods and hot beverages. As well, be careful not to bite your numb lip or tongue, as this could injure the area.
  5. If you or your family has any concerns regarding your level of consciousness after your appointment, call our office, your family doctor, or a hospital emergency department (if after hours).
  6. Pain medication can be taken as prescribed but do not exceed the instructed dose. Should you have any questions, please contact our office.
  7. It is not unusual for the intravenous site to be tender for a short period of time afterwards. It is important to avoid heavy lifting or overuse of the arm used for the IV site for at least 48 hours. You should keep the intravenous site clean and covered for 24 hours.
  8. Sometimes during sedation, a heart monitor is used, in which case stickers are applied to the chest and stomach areas. These stickers may be left on for you to remove at home at your leisure.
  9. You must have a responsible adult at home with you for the first few hours following your anaesthetic appointment.
  10. If you use a sleep apnea machine (CPAP) please use it after your appointment.