PRE-SEDATION:

You will be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire but alert your practitioner to the following:

• Pregnancy or a possibility of being pregnant
• Which medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbs you use?
• Any health conditions or allergies you have and any previous experiences you have had with sedation or anaesthesia.

It is possible that your practitioner may want to test your blood or urine.

Always arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the clinic or hospital where the surgery will occur.

If you smoke, make every effort to stop before surgery. The risk of complications such as slowed healing is increased by smoking. Coughing during sedation may be a possibility.

ON ARRIVAL AT THE CLINIC OR PROCEDURE ROOM:

• Listen carefully to the instructions regarding eating and drinking before the procedure. Alcohol should not be consumed the night before your operation or on the day of your procedure.
• Take the medication that your physician prescribes to you with very little water.
• Make sure you go to the clinic or hospital on time, usually an hour or more before the scheduled surgery.

 POST SEDATION GUIDANCE

Aftercare

• Following the sedation, a responsible adult must take you home and you must remain in the company of a responsible adult for the remainder of the day. Sedation will not be administered if you arrive without an escort.
• You may not drive, operate equipment or participate in any other activities which require alertness or coordination (swimming, cycling, etc) for at least 12 hours following the procedure/operation.
• If you are taking any regular medication, ask your doctor/dentist when you should take your next dose after the sedation.
• Do not eat or drink if you are nauseous. Take fluid or food slowly after sedation. Once you tolerate clear liquids, you can progress to solids.
• If you vomit or are nauseous – and this happens more than once – do not hesitate to contact your doctor or dentist.
• If you have not passed urine within 6-8 hours after discharge, don’t hesitate to contact the doctor/dentist at the telephone numbers provided.
• Do not stress if you suffer from a loss of memory. This is temporary, sometimes lasting for a few hours.