Post-sedation Instructions

To minimize the risks for difficulties or complications after your procedural sedation, we provide patients with the following set of post-sedation instructions.

1. Motorized vehicles/machinery: The patient cannot drive a vehicle or operate any hazardous machinery for 24-hours after sedation.
   
   
2. Alcohol and recreational drugs: Do not drink any alcohol or take any recreational drugs for 24-hours after sedation.
   
   
3. Supervision: A responsible person should be with the patient until he/she has fully recovered from the effects of the sedation.
   
   
4. Stairs: The patient should not go up and down stairs unattended. Have the patient stay on the ground floor until fully recovered.
   
   
5. Fluids: The patient needs to drink plenty of fluids as soon as possible.
   
   
6. Level of alertness: The patient may sleep for a long time or may be alert when he/she leaves the office. Attend to both an alert or a sleepy patient in the same manner. Do not trust him/her alone.
   
   
7. Ambulation: To prevent falls when moving around, always hold the patient’s arm for support until the effects of sedation have completely worn off.
   
   
8. Difficulties: Call us if you have any questions or difficulties. If you feel that your symptoms warrant an assessment by a dentist/physician and you are unable to reach us, immediately go to the closest emergency room.
   
   

Following most surgical procedures, it is expected that you will have some degree of post-operative discomfort or pain. Your surgeon will provide you with pain medication that is appropriate for you.  In most cases, a non-narcotic pain regimen should be your first-line method for pain control. Such a regimen consists of: (1) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and (2) Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).  These two medications (Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen) taken together every 6 hours for the first 3-days after surgery will, in most cases, be as effective as a narcotic without the unpleasant side effects associated with narcotics.  If a narcotic has been prescribed, follow the directions carefully and do not exceed the daily maximum of Acetaminophen.  Remember that Tylenol #3, Tylenol #2, Tramacet, or Percocet all contain Acetaminophen 325 mg and this should be kept in mind if also taking over-the-counter Acetaminophen. If you have any questions about these medications interacting with other medications you are presently taking, please call our office first, or discuss with your Physician and /or your Pharmacist.

I have read and understand the above post-sedation instructions: _________________ (initial)

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR SURGICAL PROCEDURE, THE ANESTHETIC, OR ANY OF THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR SURGEON PRIOR TO TREATMENT.