After Anesthesia
On the day of surgery, you and your chaperone will be given instructions before you leave the office. It is very important that you take caution in the hours after sedation as you will likely be very tired and may not think clearly.
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It is essential for a responsible adult to be with you for several hours after sedation to ensure your safe recovery.
RECOMMENDATIONS AFTER IV SEDATION:​
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Full mental alertness will not return for several hours. Therefore, you must not drive or operate a vehicle, should not make important decisions, and cannot drink alcohol.
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You will likely have gauze in your mouth to help control any bleeding. Falling asleep with gauze in your mouth is a choking hazard, so it is much safer to remove gauze before going to sleep.
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If you are very sleepy and not experiencing any pain, it is recommended not to take any additional pain medication. Narcotic pain medications can slow your breathing, sometimes to dangerous levels, so only take it if needed, as per the instructions given before you left the office.
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Your sedation should wear off in several hours. However, taking a narcotic pain medication will re-sedate you to some degree, so be very careful. You cannot drive and should not make any important decisions or operate machinery while on narcotic pain medications.
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FOLLOW THE HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS THAT ARE GIVEN AT THE TIME OF SURGERY.
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If problems should arise after leaving the clinic on your surgery day, contact your oral surgeon immediately. Parents/guardians of children need to observe their child closely.