Anesthesia

Here you can find:

  • General description
  • Videos: https://myoms.org/
  • FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Preoperative Instructions: ENGLISH
  • Preoperative Instructions: SPANISH

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Dr. Heffez is board certified by American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Society of Dental Anesthesia and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. The Illinois Society of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons have performed Office Anesthesia Evaluations of each office where Dr. Heffez administers anesthesia. Dr. Heffez maintains Basic and Advanced Life Support Training. Dr. Heffez’s philosophy is to administer safely anesthesia without placing the patient at risk. The purpose of the intravenous component of anesthesia is to remove the anxiety and annoying stimuli that can make the procedure uncomfortable. The beauty is that the procedure may be performed without you being aware.

FAQ

Why do I need not to eat or drink anything after midnight?

We want your stomach to be empty before surgery. If you vomit while under anesthesia, the vomit can enter your lungs (Aspiration pneumonia). This can have very serious consequences. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE THE SURGERY. When you are nervous gastric emptying time can be delayed up to 24 hours. That means you can have food still in your stomach aftte24 hours. Anesthesiologists choose an average gastric emptying time and so ask you not to eat after midnight REGARDLESS of the time of your surgery.

No. You must have a responsible adult take you home to be safe.

CHECK with Dr. Heffez about each of your medications. In the case of blood pressure medications, you should take these as usual.

Preoperative Instructions: ENGLISH

YOU HAVE CHOSEN NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS) I.V. SEDATION OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA

1. You may not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your scheduled surgery. This includes water, breath mints, chewing gum, etc.. Exception: You may take prescribed medication if instructed by your doctor with no more than one inch of water.

2. Do not smoke for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.

3. Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing.

4. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 18 to escort you home. They must stay in the waiting area during your surgery. They may not drop you off and pick you up later. In this case, your surgery will be canceled. We prefer that you travel home by car. You will be too sleepy from the anesthesia to safely ride the bus or train. You cannot take a cab/taxi home.

5. Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.

6. Contact lenses should not be worn. If you wear dentures, partials, or any type of removable appliance, they must be removed prior to your surgery.

7. Do not wear fingernail polish on your index finger of one hand on the day of surgery.

8. If you have forgotten to tell us about any serious illness that you have had, please inform us. If you have a cold, flu, or symptoms of any other of illness, please inform us as soon as possible, as a change of appointment may be necessary.

9. If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

10. Be sure to visit the restroom one-half hour prior to your surgery.

11. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible. Arrangements will be made to re-schedule.

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