If you're having oral surgery, your surgeon will offer you sedation dentistry options including general anesthesia. Some procedures like dental implants require anesthesia, while it's an option for others to limit anxiety and discomfort. Your oral surgeon will give you instructions to follow before your procedure, but here's an overview to help you prepare.

What to Do Before Oral Surgery

1. Arrange Supervision

Anesthesia will leave you drowsy for up to 24 hours. During this time, you shouldn't drive, so arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure. You also shouldn't be alone if possible until the medication wears off completely.

2. Be Careful About What You Consume

You shouldn't eat the night before or the morning of your oral surgery. Anesthesia can cause vomiting, which can interfere with your treatment and even be a choking risk.

Also, if you're on any medication, talk to your surgeon about whether you should stop it before your procedure. Some medications interact poorly with what you'll be given during the surgery, and you may need to stop them days or weeks in advance.

3. Dress for the Procedure

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes so it's easy to move around and to minimize your fall risk after the procedure when you're woozy. Also, wear short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up easily to allow your provider to insert an IV. Finally, don't wear jewelry; you don't want to worry about it getting lost or damaged while you're out.

To schedule your procedure in Anchorage, contact Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. These board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer a range of treatments, from wisdom tooth removal to bone grafts and dental implants. They use the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques, including the I-CAT 3-Dimensional Imaging CT Scan. To start planning, call (907) 561-1430 or visit their website.