PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORAL SURGERY

Minnesota Maxillofacial and Oral Consultants 763-559-7688

• If your surgery includes general anesthesia (sedation), it is imperative that you do not eat or drink within 6 hours of your appointment. (This includes no water or coffee). Oral routine medication should be taken with the smallest amount of water as possible, unless otherwise directed.
• We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing for surgery. Please wear a t-shirt or tank top under bulky sweatshirts. This allows us to easily monitor vital signs during surgery.
• If the patient is under the age of 18, a legal guardian must be present to sign consent forms.
• Many of our surgeries last approximately 30-45 minutes. It is required that your driver stay in the office during the surgical appointment. Surgeries are not started until a driver is present. If your scheduled surgery is longer in length, please ask the front desk for further information. Oftentimes, your driver will be allowed to leave for a lengthy appointment. We would then obtain the drivers cell phone number.
• We understand that many parents/guardians wish to be taken back with their child for surgery. Due to safety & OSHA concerns, this is not permitted. Unlike a hospital, our office does not have an area in which your child is prepared for surgery. Your child is taken into the surgical suite and treatment begins immediately. If your child’s surgery includes general anesthesia (sedation), you will be brought back into recovery with your child once treatment is complete. While your child is recovering from the effects of anesthesia, post-operative instructions will be given to you. We highly recommend that you discuss this process with your child. If s/he wishes to bring a comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, s/he is welcome to do so.
• The effects of general anesthesia will last throughout the day and potentially into the evening. Patients will be unsteady while walking after general anesthesia. Reflex and judgment may be altered. Please wait for assistance when exiting our office after surgery. Our staff will routinely monitor the recovery area and will dismiss when appropriate. Please arrange for a dependable person to be at home with the patient during home recovery. We advise patients not to drive or operate machinery during the day of the procedure or while taking narcotic pain medications.
• Under no circumstances will video and photos be tolerated in recovery areas.
• The majority of our surgeries require follow-up visits to check healing. These appointments are included in your surgery cost and are highly recommended. You will be prompted to schedule a follow up visit if one is required. Follow up appointments will be scheduled Monday through Thursday.
• Our office strives to be as accurate as possible when estimating your insurance prior to surgery. If you have any questions regarding amounts owing on your surgery date, please contact us prior to your scheduled visit. Estimated copays are due at your appointment.