Pre-Operative Instructions

Before your operation, there are some instructions you may find helpful when preparing for your oral and maxillofacial surgery in St. Louis, St. Peters, and Chesterfield, Missouri. Because the majority of our procedures are performed under some form of sedative, we ask that you review the following pages and the information below:

  • Before Hospital Anesthesia – Follow all instructions from the hospital. Please have a designated driver to accompany you to our office and back home. Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 8 hours prior to your appointment. Some medications are okay to take before; the hospital will tell you which ones. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will change into a hospital gown prior to your surgery.
  • Before In-Office Anesthesia – Follow all instructions from our office. You will need to have a driver accompany you to and from surgery. Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 6 hours prior to your appointment. It is okay to take normal medication with small sips of water; your surgeon will tell you which medication to take and which to hold off on. Do not drive for 24 hours after anesthesia.
  • Nausea – Nausea is rare with in-office anesthesia. If you have a history of nausea with anesthesia, you may be given additional anti-nausea medicine through your IV. Be sure to discuss this with your surgeon ahead of time.
  • Steroids – Steroids can be very helpful in reducing swelling the first few days after surgery. If required, steroids are typically given through the IV as part of the anesthesia.

For more information about our pre-operative procedures, please contact St. Louis County Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with questions or concerns. Drs. Weber, Weber, Kincaid, and Carn and our team want to ensure that you have all the necessary information to give you the best chances at a successful treatment and quick recovery.