Before Your Surgery
Pre-Op Instructions
Preparing well — physically and mentally — has a real effect on how your procedure and recovery go.
Secure a Successful Surgery
Feeling nervous before oral surgery is completely normal. Your surgical team at United Implant Dentistry is trained and equipped to keep you safe and comfortable throughout. Following the guidelines below — particularly the anesthesia instructions — gives you the smoothest possible experience.
Anesthesia Preparation
Food and Drink
Nothing to eat or drink — water included — for the 8 hours before your appointment. For a morning surgery, that means nothing after midnight. For an afternoon slot, a light breakfast such as toast with water, tea, or black coffee is acceptable. Skip alcohol entirely for 24 hours beforehand.
Smoking
Stop smoking at least 48 hours before surgery, and earlier if you can. Tobacco and nicotine irritate oral tissue and restrict blood and oxygen flow, which slows healing and raises your risk of infection.
Clothing and Accessories
Choose loose clothing with short sleeves and flat shoes. We need access to your arm during the procedure. Leave jewelry, contact lenses, and cosmetics — perfume, makeup, lipstick, nail polish — at home.
Medication
Tell us about everything you take: prescriptions, vitamins, herbal supplements, blood thinners, insulin, pain or depression medication, and anything used recreationally. Some medications are fine on the day of surgery; others must be paused days or weeks in advance. Patients with asthma should bring an inhaler.
Physical Health
Let us know if you develop a cold, sore throat, fever, stomach flu, or any other illness. Surgery is demanding on the body, and rescheduling is sometimes the safest call for both the procedure and your recovery.
Assistance
Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you both ways and to stay in our office or wait nearby during the procedure. You may not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day.
Activity
Avoid exercise, driving, and machinery for the first 24 hours after surgery.