Pre-Operative Instructions
Preparing for a Safe, Comfortable Procedure at Our Mountain Retreat
At Cherry Log Oral Surgery, your safety, comfort, and peace of mind are our absolute priorities. Following these pre-operative instructions closely is essential to ensure a successful surgical procedure and a smooth recovery.
We take an unhurried, "One Patient at a Time" approach, which means our surgical suite and professional team are dedicated entirely to you during your appointment. To help us maintain this exceptional standard of care, please review the requirements below carefully. If you have any questions or are unsure about any of these instructions, please contact our office immediately at (706) 946-5015.
IV Sedation & General Anesthesia Requirements
If your procedure is scheduled to be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, you must strictly adhere to the following safety protocols. Failure to do so will result in the immediate postponement of your surgery.
Anesthesia safetySTRICT PROTOCOL
No Food or Liquid
A clinical requirement of eight full hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.
Fasting (NPO) Guidelines
Do not eat or drink anything (including water, coffee, juice, gum, or mints) for at least eight (8) hours prior to your scheduled surgery. Having food or liquid in your stomach during anesthesia is highly dangerous and can lead to life-threatening respiratory complications.
Responsible Adult Driver
A responsible adult (18 years or older) must accompany you to the office, remain in our waiting room during the entire duration of your procedure, and drive you home afterwards. You will not be allowed to leave alone, take a taxi, or use rideshare services (like Uber or Lyft) unless accompanied by your designated driver.
Post-Operative Caregiver
We strongly recommend that a responsible adult remain with you at home for the first 24 hours following surgery to assist with your recovery and ensure your safety as the anesthesia fully wears off.
Do Not Drive or Operate Machinery
Do not drive a vehicle, operate hazardous machinery, make critical decisions, or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after receiving intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Day of Surgery Protocol
Appropriate Clothing
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. We highly recommend a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that can easily be rolled up past the elbow, as we will need to place monitoring devices and initiate your IV. Wear flat, comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Personal Grooming
Do not wear contact lenses, jewelry, or body piercings. Remove all nail polish and make-up prior to your arrival, as these can interfere with our monitoring equipment (such as pulse oximeters that measure oxygen levels in your blood).
Oral Hygiene
You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth before your appointment, but be absolutely careful not to swallow any water.
Arrive on Time
Please arrive precisely at your scheduled appointment time. Since we schedule one patient at a time, your promptness allows us to maintain our peaceful, unhurried workflow.
Medications & Medical Conditions
Managing your regular medications and existing medical conditions properly is vital for surgical safety. Please follow these directions unless otherwise instructed by Dr. John Pritchett or your prescribing physician:
Routine Daily Medications
If you take daily medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart issues, or seizures, you should take them at your normal time with a very tiny sip of water.
Asthma Inhalers
If you use a rescue inhaler for asthma, please bring it with you to the office on the day of your surgery.
Diabetes Management
If you are diabetic, please contact our office prior to your surgical day. Fasting can affect blood sugar levels, and Dr. Pritchett will provide specific instructions regarding your morning insulin or oral diabetes medication doses.
Blood Thinners & Aspirin
If you take blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Plavix, Eliquis, or daily aspirin), please ensure you have discussed this with Dr. Pritchett during your consultation. You may need to stop these medications several days before surgery, but only under the direct supervision of your physician.
Changes in Health
If you develop a cold, fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, or any other illness in the days leading up to your surgery, please notify our office immediately. It may be safest to reschedule your procedure until you are fully recovered.
Special Instructions for Minor Patients
Parent or Guardian Required
All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire duration of their visit. The parent or guardian must remain in the office during the surgery and sign all consent forms.
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