Find out what to expect during your appointment at Southgate Surgical Suites in Lethbridge, Alberta.
The Consultation
During your consultation, your dentist or surgeon will start by making sure that your medical records, files and radiographs (x-rays) are up to date. Your doctor will ask you about any changes in your health, medications, or lifestyle habits that may have an impact on your upcoming procedure.
You and your doctor will also discuss the procedure to be performed, and determine what type of sedation or anaesthesia is most appropriate for you. Your doctor will describe the process and the medication you will take (and its potential side effects), give you instructions for preparation, and answer your questions.
Before Your Appointment
Pre-appointment instructions will vary depending on the type of medication to be administered, and the type of procedure that you will undergo. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions well in advance.
That said, pre-appointment instructions typically include variations of the following:
- Food & Drink Restrictions
What, and how long before your appointment you may eat and drink.
- Clothing & Accessory Guidelines
It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Avoid all jewelry, artificial nails, watches or other accessories.
- Hair Guidelines
Come to your appointment with clean, dry hair, with no accessories, clips, hair bands or elastics in it.
- Medication Guidelines
You should be able to continue taking all non-procedure-related medications as prescribed, unless otherwise advised. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to do this in combination with drink and food restrictions, depending on the type of medication you take.
- Day of Appointment Instructions
Your doctor will give you instructions on what to do on the day of your appointment, and explain what will happen when you arrive at Southgate Surgical Suites for your procedure.
On the Day of Your Appointment
You must be escorted to and from your appointment by a friend or family member, as it can take some time for the sedatives or anaesthesia to wear off completely. For this reason, you should not drive, and you will need someone you trust to keep an eye on you. When you arrive for the appointment, you will be seated in the treatment room and made as comfortable as possible.
You may or may not be unconscious during your procedure, and this will depend on the type of procedure you undergo. You will be monitored continuously for blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen levels throughout.
After The Procedure
After your procedure is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room. The anesthesiologist will determine when you are ready to be discharged.
A friend or family member will have to be available to take you home (or back to your hotel), as you won't be able to drive after your appointment.
Please go straight home or to your hotel after your appointment! Take the rest of the day off of work or school so that you can recover safely and comfortably. It may be a good idea to plan ahead and have movies, reading material or other low-effort entertainment options at your disposal.
More detailed post-operative instructions will be provided for those undergoing more invasive procedures.