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Preparing for Your Procedure

Follow these guidelines to ensure you're well-prepared for your oral surgery and achieve the best possible outcome.

Important Note

Dr Truong will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions based on your procedure and medical history. If there are any differences between these general guidelines and your specific instructions, please follow what Dr Truong has advised.

Before Your Procedure

Medical Information

  • Inform us of any changes to your medical history, medications, or allergies
  • Let us know if you've had any recent illnesses or infections
  • Inform us if you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant
  • Notify us if you take blood-thinning medications (we may need to coordinate with your doctor)
Fasting Instructions

For Procedures Under Sedation or General Anaesthesia

  • No food for 6 hours before your procedure
  • Clear fluids only (water, black tea/coffee) up to 2 hours before
  • Nothing to eat or drink in the 2 hours immediately before your procedure

For Procedures Under Local Anaesthetic Only

You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. However, we recommend having a light meal beforehand, as you may not feel like eating immediately after the procedure.

Medications
  • Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise
  • Take essential medications (heart, blood pressure, asthma medications) with a small sip of water on the morning of surgery
  • Bring a list of all medications you're taking, including vitamins and supplements
  • If you take blood thinners, we will advise you when to stop (typically several days before)
On the Day of Surgery
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves
  • Do not wear makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses (if having sedation)
  • Remove jewelry, piercings, and dentures
  • Brush your teeth before coming in (but don't swallow water if fasting)
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time
Transportation and Accompaniment

For Sedation or General Anaesthesia

  • You must have a responsible adult accompany you to and from your appointment
  • You cannot drive, take public transport alone, or use a taxi/rideshare service alone
  • Someone must stay with you at home for 24 hours after the procedure
  • Do not operate machinery, make important decisions, or care for dependents alone for 24 hours

For Local Anaesthetic Only

You can drive yourself and don't need an escort, though you may prefer to have someone accompany you for support.

What to Bring
  • Medicare card and private health insurance details
  • Referral letter and any X-rays (if you haven't already provided them)
  • List of current medications
  • Payment for any gap fees
Prepare Your Recovery Space at Home
  • Stock up on soft foods (yogurt, soup, mashed potato, smoothie ingredients)
  • Have ice packs ready in the freezer
  • Arrange extra pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping
  • Have over-the-counter pain relief on hand (we'll advise which type)
  • Arrange time off work or study (usually 2-3 days for most procedures)

Questions?

If you have any questions about preparing for your procedure, please don't hesitate to contact us at (02) 9129 0009. We're here to help ensure you feel prepared and confident.