Patient Zone

A guide to help you before and after surgery

How to prepare for a procedure under intravenous sedation

To ensure that your surgical experience goes as smoothly as possible, we are providing you with a preparation protocol for the intravenous (IV) sedation you will receive during your procedure. This guide will help you understand what you need to do before your surgery.

1. Preoperative Consultation

Before the procedure, a full consultation will be conducted to assess your health and determine if IV sedation is appropriate for you. Make sure to inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions, your current medications, and any allergies. This will allow us to personalize your treatment to ensure your safety and comfort.

2. Food and Hydration Instructions

Fast for 6 hours before the surgery (do not consume solid food or liquids).
It is essential that your stomach is empty to avoid complications during the IV sedation.

IMPORTANT:
- If your doctor has provided specific instructions regarding the intake of medication on the morning of your procedure (for example, for the management of medical conditions), follow these instructions with a small amount of water, unless otherwise directed.

3. Medications and Supplements

Regular medications: If you take medications regularly, discuss them with our team before the procedure. Some medications may interact with the IV sedation.
Blood thinners: If you take blood thinners, we will likely ask you to stop taking them several days before the procedure (as per your doctor’s recommendations).
Supplements: Stop taking vitamin supplements, herbs, or any other non-prescribed products 7 days prior to surgery.

4. Arrival at the Clinic

Arrive at the scheduled time, preferably with an accompanying person who can drive you and assist you after the procedure. IV sedation takes time to wear off, and you will not be able to drive or make important decisions after the procedure and for 24 hours.

5. Dress Code

Wear comfortable clothing and avoid tight clothing around the neck or arms, as we will need easy access to your arm for administering the IV sedation.

6. Removing Makeup and Accessories

If you wear makeup, contact lenses, or jewelry, please remove them before arriving at the clinic.

7. Important Information About Intravenous Sedation

Sedation effects: The IV sedation will help you relax and stay comfortable during the surgery. You will be in a semi-conscious state. You may fall asleep during the procedure, but you will be safely awakened at the end.
After the procedure: Our care team will closely monitor you after the procedure to ensure you recover properly from the sedation. Residual effects, such as drowsiness, may last for a few hours.

8. Postoperative Period

After your procedure, it is recommended that you rest and avoid any physical or stressful activities on the same day. The day following your procedure, our nurse will contact you to check on your recovery and answer any questions you may have.

Post-operative advice

1. Pain Control

Medications: Take the prescribed pain medications as instructed to relieve discomfort.

2. Bleeding Management

After surgery, you may experience slight bleeding. Here’s what you should do:
- Gently bite down on a sterile gauze for about 30 to 45 minutes to help stop the bleeding.
- If the bleeding continues after this time, replace the gauze and bite down again.
- If the bleeding persists, call us immediately.

3. Rest and Activity

Rest for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Avoid intense physical activities for 7 days following the surgery.
Do not bend forward or do any activity that may increase bleeding.

4. Diet

Avoid hard foods (e.g., steak consistency) for at least one week.
For the first 2 to 3 days, eat soft foods such as soups (not too hot), purées, yogurt, or applesauce.
Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, as they may irritate the treated area.
Do not eat directly on the treated area. Try to eat on the opposite side of the surgery if possible.
After 2 to 3 days, you may begin chewing soft foods and gradually return to a more normal diet by the 7th day.

5. Oral Hygiene

After the surgery, you may brush your teeth gently but avoid the treated area.
Use a mouth rinse after meals to assist in healing: either the prescribed mouth rinse or a saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Gently rinse your mouth and avoid putting pressure on the area to prevent dislodging the sutures.

6. Swelling and Bruising

Mild to moderate swelling in the treated area is normal. The swelling may be more significant on one side than the other.
To control swelling, apply a cold compress to your face for 30 minutes (or longer if comfortable), every hour for the first 48 hours after the procedure.
Bruising may appear but usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks.

7. Avoid the following

Do not smoke for at least 72 hours after the procedure. Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
Do not drink through a straw, as the suction may dislodge the blood clot and lead to a condition called dry socket (alveolitis).

8. Signs to Watch For

Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after biting on a gauze.
- Severe pain that doesn’t subside with the prescribed medications.
- Fever (over 38°C).
- Significant swelling or redness that doesn’t decrease with time.
- Infection or pus drainage from the mouth.

9. The Day After

The day following your procedure, our nurse will contact you to check on your recovery and answer any questions you may have.

Telephone : 450 595-2001
E-mail : info@maxillomirabel.ca