If you’re receiving IV sedation or general anesthesia
For your safety, you must follow these instructions precisely. We will reschedule any procedure if these conditions aren’t met.
- No food or drink for at least 8 hours before your appointment. This includes water, gum, and mints. Sips of water for essential medications are permitted within 2 hours.
- Take routine medications with a small sip of water unless we’ve told you otherwise.
- A responsible adult must drive you home. You may not drive yourself, take a rideshare alone, or take public transportation. Plan to have your driver wait or be reachable for the duration of your visit.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up above the elbow. Avoid contact lenses, jewelry, and excessive makeup.
- Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours prior to your procedure.
- If you smoke, do not smoke for at least 12 hours before surgery and ideally in the weeks of recovery to follow.
- Notify us immediately if you develop a cold, fever, or other illness in the 48 hours before your appointment.
If you’re receiving local anesthesia only (no sedation)
- Eat a light meal one to two hours before your appointment. Avoid being on an empty stomach.
- Take routine medications as you normally would.
- You may drive yourself to and from the appointment.
- Brush and floss as usual the morning of.
Medications to discuss with us before surgery
Some medications affect bleeding, healing, or interact with anesthesia. Please tell us at your consultation if you take any of the following. Do not stop any medication without talking to your prescribing doctor and our office first.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin).
- Bisphosphonates (oral or IV) and other bone-modifying drugs.
- GLP-1 medications for weight loss or diabetes (semaglutide, tirzepatide). These may delay gastric emptying and affect anesthesia.
- Immunosuppressants and biologic therapies.
- Recreational drugs, including cannabis, in the days before surgery.
What to bring
- Photo ID and insurance card.
- A complete list of current medications.
- Your responsible adult driver (for sedation cases).
- Loose, comfortable clothing — consider an extra layer; the surgical suite is kept cool.
If you need to reschedule
Please give us at least 48 hours notice if you need to change or cancel your appointment. Surgical time is reserved specifically for you, and last-minute cancellations make it hard to offer the slot to other patients who need care.
Call us at (805) 372-2342 for any pre-op questions.