Follow these instructions to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Your preparation is essential for your well-being.

Why is preparation important?

Correctly following pre-procedure instructions with anesthesia significantly reduces risks and ensures your treatment is as safe and comfortable as possible. These instructions apply to extractions, surgeries, root canals, and other procedures requiring local anesthesia or sedation.

Days Before the Procedure

Report your medical history: Communicate all your health conditions, medications you take, known allergies, and previous experiences with anesthesia.
Ask about your medications: Ask if you should stop blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin), diabetes medications, or others. DO NOT stop anything without indication.
Get a dental cleaning: If possible, schedule a dental cleaning 1-2 weeks before to reduce bacteria and infection risk.
Buy prescribed medications: If you were prescribed antibiotics or painkillers, get them in advance. Start the antibiotic the day before if indicated.

The Day of the Procedure

Follow these instructions carefully

Food & Drink

Local Anesthesia

Eat something light 2-3 hours before. Don’t come on an empty stomach to avoid dizziness or fainting.

💡 Avoid heavy or greasy meals

Sedation / General Anesthesia

Total fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure. No eating or drinking anything, not even water.

⚠️ Non-compliance may cancel your appointment for safety

Recommended Clothing

Comfortable, loose clothing
Short sleeves or easily rolled up
Low, comfortable shoes
Avoid tight or warm clothing

What to avoid

Contact lenses: May become irritated during procedure
Jewelry and long earrings: May interfere with equipment
Excessive makeup: Especially lipstick
Dark nail polish: Makes oxygen monitoring difficult
Mouth/face piercings: Must be removed for safety

Do’s and Don’ts

DO

Brush your teeth well before appointment
Arrive 10-15 minutes early
Come with companion if sedation
Inform if you have flu, cough, or fever
Rest well the night before
Apply lip balm beforehand
Bring list of current medications

DON’T

Consume alcohol 24-48 hours before
Smoke on procedure day
Self-medicate without consulting
Come fasting for local anesthesia
Drive after sedation
Hide medical information
Use recreational drugs days before

Substances to Avoid

These substances can interfere with anesthesia and increase risks:

Alcohol — 24-48 hours before: Can interact with medications and increase bleeding
Tobacco — 12 hours before (minimum): Reduces oxygenation and impairs healing
Excessive caffeine — On procedure day: Can increase anxiety and blood pressure

Do you need to come with someone?

Simple Local Anesthesia — Optional: You can come alone and drive back
Conscious Sedation — Required: An adult must bring you, wait, and take you home
General Anesthesia — Required: Companion must stay with you for several hours

After sedation you should NOT drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours.

What to do if you feel unwell?

Contact the clinic BEFORE your appointment if you have:

Fever or elevated temperature
Flu, cough, or nasal congestion
Sore throat
Stomach upset or diarrhea
Any active infection

💡 It may be necessary to reschedule your appointment for your safety.

Checklist

Before leaving home, confirm:

I followed fasting instructions (if applicable)
I took my allowed medications
I brushed my teeth well
I’m wearing comfortable, short-sleeve clothing
I’m not wearing jewelry or contact lenses
I have my ID
My companion is ready (if needed)
I have the clinic’s phone number handy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my medications on the day of the procedure?

Essential medications (blood pressure, heart, thyroid) can usually be taken with a small sip of water. Ask specifically about each medication.

What happens if I don’t follow fasting instructions?

For your safety, the procedure may be canceled and rescheduled. Fasting prevents serious complications.

Can I drive after an extraction with local anesthesia?

Yes, if it was only local anesthesia without sedation, you can drive. Wait until the numbness wears off.

Should I stop blood thinners?

Never stop medications without medical indication. Inform us that you take them and you’ll receive specific instructions.

Important Information

These instructions are general. Always follow your dentist’s specific instructions.
If you have special medical conditions, inform us in advance.
Good preparation = a safer and more comfortable procedure.