Sedation and Anesthesia

During your consultation with your surgeon you have discussed the different options for anesthesia and have decided on the most appropriate approach for your case. Please carefully review the instructions for your care before and after your surgery for the approach you have chosen.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA

Local anesthesia is method of giving a medication by injection that freezes an area allowing the procedure or surgery to be carried out painlessly.


Before your surgery under local anesthesia

  • You can maintain your normal eating habits.
  • You should take all your normally prescribed medication as usual.
  • If your dentist or surgeon has prescribed an antibiotic before the procedure please take it as recommended. Women who are using birth control pills and taking antibiotics, are advised to use an additional method of birth control as antibiotics will lessen the effectiveness of the oral contraceptives.


After your surgery under local anesthesia

  • Take care not to bite the inside of your cheek, lip or tongue as your mouth will still be frozen for one to several hours after the surgery.

INTRAVENOUS SEDATION AND GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Why should I choose to undergo surgery under sedation?

No one looks foward to having an oral surgical procedure! The goal of sedation is to relax patients to the extent that they are much less aware of their surroundings. This allows them to undergo a procedure without being aware of the unpleasant sensations and sounds associated with oral surgery. You should discuss the option of sedation with your surgeon at the time of your preoperative consultations.


Intravenous sedation

Patients tend to become very drowsy but usually remain conscious during the procedure.


General anesthesia

General anesthesia is available to patients, but is usually reserved for more invasive procedures or patients with special conditions. Patients are put to sleep during the surgical procedure and awaken once it has been completed. All patients planning to have their surgery under general anesthesia must undergo preoperative testing and a physical examination to ensure that they in good health. They must fast (no food or drink) for a period of 12 hours before these tests.

To help us provide you with the best care and results possible, it is very important that you follow these instructions closely.

Before your surgery under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia

  • Please do not eat or drink anything (even water) for at least six hours before your appointment, unless otherwise directed by your surgeon. In the event that you did eat or drink something, it is very important to inform your surgeon before your surgery as it may need to be rescheduled.
  • If you develop a chest or head cold, or stomach or bowel upset before your appointment please call the office to let us know.
  • If your surgeon has advised you to take a medication on the day of your surgery, please take it with a minimal amount of water (a few sips).
  • Your surgeon will advise you as to which of your daily medications you may take on the day of your surgery. Please check with him or her first. If you are taking insulin for your diabetes, you will receive special instructions.
  • Please wear loose-fitting clothes with short sleeves. This will make insertion of the intravenous line and monitors easier.
  • Please do not wear any makeup, perfume or jewelry. If you are wearing contact lenses, please remove them and wear eyeglasses on the day of the surgery.
  • Please visit the restroom just before your appointment.


After your surgery under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia

Since the medications given to your intravenously will still be in your system after the surgery, you may feel sleepy. It is thus important to follow these precautions:

  • Please have a responsible adult accompany you to your appointment and drive you home after your surgery.
  • You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day, keeping your head elevated.
  • Change position slowly. You may experience dizziness if you try to get up abruptly from a sitting to a standing position.
  • You should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after your sedation.
  • You should not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after your sedation.


Questions

  • If you have any questions or problems, call our office (514) 931-7707 and we will be pleased to help you.
  • In emergency situations, you may reach Dr. Chehade or one of the members of his team directly by calling the office number (514) 931-7707 and following the instructions provided by the answering service.