Before Surgery
Pre-Operative Instructions
Review these instructions carefully before your surgical appointment, especially if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
Before Surgery
Please Review Before Surgery
Please review these instructions carefully before your surgery with our Waterloo oral surgery team. These guidelines help your appointment proceed safely and smoothly, especially when sedation or anesthetic is planned.
- Call the office if anything changes before your appointment
- Tell us about illness, medication changes, or transportation problems
- Follow the instructions given by the surgical team, consulting doctor, or nurse
- Contact our Waterloo office if you are unsure which instructions apply to your procedure
Before Surgery
Fasting Instructions
Patients undergoing anesthetic are not permitted to eat or drink after midnight on the day of surgery unless our office gives different written instructions.
- Do not eat after midnight on the day of surgery
- Do not drink after midnight on the day of surgery
- This includes chewing gum and candy
- Do not drink coffee, tea, juice, or water unless specifically instructed
- If you accidentally eat or drink, call the office before coming in
Before Surgery
Alcohol, Smoking, And Recreational Drugs
Alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs can affect anesthesia, bleeding, healing, and your overall safety.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages, including beer or wine, for 24 hours before surgery
- Do not smoke the morning of your surgery
- Do not use recreational drugs before surgery
- Tell the office if recreational drug use may affect your anesthetic plan
- If you are unsure whether something is safe before surgery, call us before your appointment
Before Surgery
Usual Medications
Patients may usually take regular medication with small sips of water, except diabetic medication or any medication the surgical team, consulting doctor, nurse, family physician, or prescribing doctor has instructed you to adjust.
- Bring an up-to-date medication list
- Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, vitamins, and supplements
- Tell us about all allergies and medical conditions
- Ask before taking diabetic medication when fasting is required
- Do not stop or change prescribed medication unless directed by the appropriate doctor
Before Surgery
Blood Thinner Medication
Blood thinner medication must be overseen by your family physician or prescribing doctor when considering whether medication should be stopped or changed for the procedure.
- Tell us if you take Warfarin, Pradaxa, Eliquis, Heparin, Xarelto, or another blood thinner
- Medication changes are considered to help reduce the risk of excessive bleeding
- Aspirin (ASA) and Plavix may not need to be stopped before surgery unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Do not make medication changes on your own
- Call our office if you have questions about your medication instructions
Before Surgery
If You Become Ill
Please call the office if you develop symptoms before surgery so we can decide whether the appointment should proceed or be rescheduled.
- Call if you develop a cold
- Call if you have a fever over 38 C
- Call if you have a cough, runny nose, or chest congestion
- Call if your health changes before the appointment
- Do not wait until you arrive if you are unsure whether you should proceed
Before Surgery
Clothing And Personal Items
Wear clothing and bring personal items that make surgical care and monitoring easier.
- Do not wear tight clothing on the day of the appointment
- A short-sleeved t-shirt is preferred
- Bring a case for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or dentures
- Leave valuables, including money and jewelry, at home
- Do not wear heavy makeup, perfume, or cologne
Before Surgery
Before Arrival
Prepare before coming to the office so check-in and surgical preparation can move smoothly.
- Shower before surgery
- Remove makeup before your appointment
- Remove nail polish when possible
- Bring required forms, insurance details, and your medication list
- Arrive at the time provided by our office
Before Surgery
Cell Phones And Operatory Rules
Cell phone use is not permitted in the operatory.
- Turn your cell phone off or place it on silent mode during surgery
- Do not use your phone in the operatory
- Your escort should remain reachable while you are in the office
- Follow all instructions from the surgical team on the day of surgery
Before Surgery
Transportation After Sedation Or Anesthetic
You must not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following sedation or anesthetic.
- Arrange transportation before your appointment
- A responsible adult age 18 or older must accompany you home
- Your escort should be available when your procedure is complete
- Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, make important decisions, or drink alcohol for 24 hours after sedation or anesthetic
- If you do not have a suitable escort, your procedure may need to be rescheduled
Before Surgery
Consent Before Surgery
You will be required to sign a surgical consent form before surgery.
- Review your procedure and questions before signing consent
- Patients under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign consent unless married
- Tell the team if you do not understand part of the consent or instructions
- Ask questions before treatment begins
Before Surgery
Appointment Changes And Confirmation
If unforeseen circumstances require you to change or cancel your appointment, please provide the office with 48 hours notice whenever possible.
- Patients may be called 1 or 2 days before surgery to remind and confirm the appointment
- If a voicemail is left, please call back to confirm
- Call +1 (519)-743-7811 if you are sick before surgery
- Tell us if transportation or escort arrangements fall through
- Call as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel
Need Help?
Questions About This Form?
Call our Waterloo office if you are unsure which form applies or how to prepare before your appointment.
Forms FAQ
Questions About Pre-Operative Instructions
Why are pre-surgical instructions important?
Pre-surgical instructions help reduce anesthesia, medication, transportation, and safety risks before oral surgery. Patients should review them carefully before the appointment.
What if I accidentally eat or drink before surgery?
Call the office before coming in if you were told to fast and accidentally ate or drank. The team will advise whether the appointment can proceed safely.
Should I report illness before oral surgery?
Yes. Call the office if you develop fever, cough, cold symptoms, chest congestion, or other health changes before surgery.
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Call Our Waterloo Oral Surgery Office.
Directions
Online Map & Driving Directions
Visit our Waterloo oral and maxillofacial surgery office at 96 Union Street East. Open our Google Business Profile for directions, office details, and patient reviews before your appointment.
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