Read This First.

Pre-op instructions vary by patient, age, procedure, and medical history. Dr. Williams' team will call you before your procedure day to give you the exact instructions for your case. If anything on this page differs from what they tell you, follow what they tell you.

If you have not received a pre-procedure call within 48 hours of your scheduled procedure, call 512-596-1775.

Eating and drinking (NPO)

As a general rule, nothing to eat or drink after 11pm the night before your procedure. This is essential for safe sedation.

If your procedure is scheduled after 10am, clear liquids (water, apple juice, Gatorade) may be allowed up to 3 hours before the scheduled time, per the team's instructions
For procedures scheduled after 3pm, follow the 8-hour solid food / 3-hour clear liquid window
For breastfeeding infants, stop breastfeeding 4 hours before arrival time
No milk, dairy, or orange juice at any point in the NPO window
Clear liquids are liquids you can see through. No solids in them.

If diet instructions are not followed, the procedure may need to be rescheduled.

What to wear and bring

Two-piece clothing: a short-sleeved t-shirt and loose-fitting pants
Avoid metal snaps, zippers, or anything constricting
Remove jewelry, piercings, and dark nail polish
Remove contact lenses (bring a storage case if you wear them)
A change of clothes (anesthesia can cause involuntary urination)
A list of all medications and allergies
Photo ID
For children: a favorite security item (stuffed toy, blanket, pacifier) and a preferred bottle or cup for after the procedure
For minors: only the legal parent or guardian can sign consent for surgery. Foster parents should bring required paperwork.

Medications

Do not interrupt your regular medications unless your dentist or anesthesiologist has instructed otherwise. Take them with a sip of water.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) may be taken for pain
For asthma or reactive airway disease: use inhalers or nebulizers as needed, and bring them to your appointment
Diabetes medication must be discussed before the procedure. Contact the office to set up a phone consultation with the anesthesiologist.
For serious health issues, especially heart problems or if you have seen a cardiologist, email the office before your procedure
Bring a complete list of your current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs

Day of the procedure

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled procedure time so the team can meet with you
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you
Do not drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day
For pediatric patients: the child should be supervised by a responsible adult for at least 6 hours after the procedure, with active play limited [NEEDS CONFIRMATION: Confirm with Shawneen whether TAA recommends a second adult (one to drive, one to comfort the child) for pediatric cases.]

After Your Procedure.

Most patients are ready to leave within about 30 minutes of the procedure ending. You will be groggy. The anesthesiologist or nurse will review your specific post-procedure instructions with you in recovery.

Key points to remember

Drink plenty of liquids. Gatorade, apple juice, and popsicles generally help patients feel better.
Take Tylenol or prescribed post-op medications as directed
Your first meal should be light: bread, crackers, or soup. Avoid fast food.
For children: 6 hours of supervision after the procedure with active play limited
Keep your discharge instructions handy
Follow diet and pain medication guidelines from both your dental office and the anesthesia team

If you experience anything that concerns you, call 512-596-1775. Dr. Williams is personally reachable for pre- and post-op concerns.

Team member coordinating an anesthesia case by phone

When to Call.

For emergencies, call 911.

For urgent matters, call your dental office and Texan Anesthesiology Association. The team is available at 512-596-1775, including an
after-hours line.

Call us if:

You develop a major illness, fever, cough, or cold symptoms within 3 days of your scheduled procedure
You are uncertain about NPO or medication instructions
You have not received a pre-procedure call before your procedure day
After your procedure, you experience any symptom that concerns you

Have Questions About Your Procedure?

Call or text us at 512-596-1775, or email info@texanaa.com. Dr. Williams' team will get back to you quickly.

Call 512-596-1775

Email us

After-hours line available

Personal pre-op contact

How to prepare for your procedure.