Pre-Operative Instructions
Preparing for your procedure at tvos
Do you have an upcoming procedure scheduled with Tennessee Valley Oral Surgery?
At Tennessee Valley Oral Surgery, we know that preparing for a procedure can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled all the essential instructions in one convenient place. By following these steps, you can feel confident, prepared, and ready for your upcoming procedure.
Pre-Operative Instructions
- Take all of your regular medications with a minimal amount of water unless you are instructed to do otherwise by a doctor in this office or your primary medical doctor.
- Some patients may benefit from holding their blood thinner prior to and immediately following surgery. This is to be determined by the patient's physician, coumadin clinic, or cardiologist.
- FOR PATIENTS ON WARFARIN/COUMADIN - we will need an INR lab result obtained 24 hours prior to surgery.
- If you are scheduled to have intravenous sedation: You may not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours before your appointment. For morning surgery, no food or liquids after midnight the night before surgery, unless modifications are made by the surgeon.
- If you are scheduled to have nitrous oxide analgesia (N2O): You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for 3 hours before the appointment unless otherwise directed.
- No smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible before the day of surgery.
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the entirety of the procedure, and drive the patient home. A parent or legal guardian must accompany any patient under the age of 18 and remain on premises at all times.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the surgery day. The patient should not drive a vehicle, operate any machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours following intravenous anesthesia.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow and low-heeled shoes.
- Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed before surgery.
- Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
- The use of alcohol or recreational drugs can have an adverse effect on the anesthesia medications that we use. Please discontinue the use of such for at least 72 hours before your procedure.
- If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, or stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.
- If, for some reason, you are unable to keep your surgery appointment, we request 48 hours notice of cancellation.
* Women Only:
Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.
Do you still have questions about how to prepare for your procedure?
We are here to answer any questions that you may have.