Additional Instructions

Anesthesia Instructions

smiling woman at dental office
  • Food: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless otherwise instructed
  • Drugs: Take prescription medications as you normally do unless otherwise instructed. If you must take medications with food, do so
    with a few teaspoonfuls of plain jello.
  • Home-Care: Arrange for someone to remain in the office during your appointment and be with you at home on the day of your procedure

Instructions: Our office will be calling you approximately three days before the scheduled procedure with additional instructions and to process billing. If you are unable to return our call by 3 PM the day prior to the procedure, we will not reserve your anesthesia appointment.

Finances: We ask you to be informed of your insurance benefits and limitations. Frequently there is a “copay” or “deductible” that must be paid. Please be aware that in some instances there is little or no coverage. You may be responsible for up to $500 or more, payable at the time of the procedure. If this is a concern please call our office as soon as possible.

Partners in Dental Care

  • Your Pediatric Dentist wants the best treatment for your child in a safe, pain free environment. Anesthesiologists are a special part of the pediatric dentist’s team because they provide a safe alternative for children who need help the most.
  • Your child will be cared for by a board certified medical or dental anesthesiologist throughout the entire procedure. The anesthesiologist will safely sedate or put your child to sleep.
  • Your child will have little or no memory of the procedure, which will foster a better relationship with the dentist.
  • By following our instructions before and after the procedure, you can ensure that your child have the best possible outcome and recovery.
  • Ambulatory Anesthesia Associates has an excellent office staff to work with you. They can answer most questions about insurance participation and other methods of payment for anesthesia services. A representative from AAA will contact you by telephone with specific instructions for your child approximately one week to a few days prior to the procedure. If you would like to speak to our office sooner, we welcome your call.

Post-Operative Instructions

  • Do NOT return to work or school.
  • Do NOT operate machinery of any kind for at least twenty-four (24) hours or until fully recovered from the effects of the anesthetic (automobile, blender, mixer, lawn mower, power tools, etc.).
  • Do NOT prepare or cook food.
  • Do NOT drink alcoholic beverages.
  • Do NOT smoke.
  • Do NOT make any important decisions or sign any important documents.
  • Refrain from strenuous activity.
  • Follow the diet plan suggested by the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist.
  • Apply moist heat to the IV (needle) site for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a day for 2-3 days.
  • The child patient must refrain from active play and be carefully observed by a responsible adult for the remainder of the day.
  • Fluid intake & nutritional requirements are very important for the pediatric patient. After the child is awake and alert, encourage as much fluid as possible.