Patient Preparation

Pre-op instructions

Everything the patient and family need to know before an anesthesia appointment. Your care team will confirm the specifics for your case by phone.

Eating & drinking

  • •No solid food for 8 hours before the appointment time.
  • •Clear liquids (water, clear juice without pulp) up to 2 hours before.
  • •No milk, formula, or carbonated drinks on the morning of the appointment.
  • •Infants: the care team will give you a specific feeding cutoff when we call.

Medications

  • •Take routine medications with a small sip of water unless told otherwise.
  • •Bring inhalers, EpiPens, and any rescue medications with you.
  • •Tell us about blood thinners, recent antibiotics, or new prescriptions.

What to wear & bring

  • •Comfortable, short-sleeved clothing.
  • •A light blanket or favorite comfort item for children.
  • •Remove nail polish on at least one hand so the monitor can read oxygen levels.
  • •Bring the insurance card and a photo ID.

Your escort

  • •A parent or guardian must stay in the office for the entire appointment.
  • •An adult must drive the patient home — patients cannot drive after anesthesia.
  • •Plan for a responsible adult to stay with the patient for the rest of the day.

After the appointment

  • •Expect drowsiness for several hours. Rest at home, no school or work that day.
  • •Start with soft foods and clear fluids, then advance as tolerated.
  • •No strenuous activity, swimming, or biking for 24 hours.
  • •Mild nausea or a sore throat from the breathing tube can happen and usually settles quickly.

When to call us

  • •A fever, persistent vomiting, or trouble breathing.
  • •Any reaction that worries you, at any hour.
  • •Call or text 919-480-1411 with questions before the appointment day.

Questions about these instructions? Call or text 919-480-1411 or email manager@triangledentalanesthesia.com.

Back to patient resources