UNDERGOING ORAL

SURGERY UNDER GENERAL

ANAESTHETIC (PREOPERATIVE CARE)
Information Leaflet

Your Health. Our Priority.

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Dental Service, Outpatients B | Stepping Hill Hospital

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Admissions Officer: Suzanne Sturgess 0161 419 4158

Appointment date: ..
Appointment time: ..

Your procedure will be performed in the Maple Suite. If you are unsure where the department is
located, the Hospital Guides will be pleased to assist you. They will be found within the
Reception Area at the main entrance to the Hospital.

Information for you or your child

Children under 16 must have a parent or legal guardian to accompany them on the day of
the procedure.

What do I need to do before the procedure?

Arrange to have the whole day off work/school for the day of the procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything (including chewing gum) from midnight the night before your
procedure.
If you smoke it is advisable not to smoke for at least 24 hours prior to your operation.
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home or accompany you in a taxi. You must
not use public transport.

You may not be able to have an outpatient general anaesthetic (go

to sleep) if:

You have recently had a cough, cold or other infection.

You have been immunised within the last 48 hours (3 weeks for Polio & MMR).

You have had another anaesthetic within the last 6 weeks.

You think you may be pregnant.

You suffer from heart disease, convulsions, diabetes, chest problems or high blood
pressure.

You are taking steroids or any other long term regular medication.

Make sure you have completed the full medical history form that the dentist has given
you.

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Dental Service, Outpatients B | Stepping Hill Hospital

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If in doubt please check with your dentist.

What you need to bring with you

It is advisable not to wear new or expensive clothes on the day of the operation as some blood
loss may occur although every effort will be made to prevent your clothes from being soiled.
Please wear flat shoes as you may be unsteady on your feet following the procedure.
If you need to use any type of inhaler(s) for asthma, please make sure you bring the inhaler(s)
with you.
Bring a case for any spectacles or contact lenses if worn.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

On arrival to the Maple suite, you will be asked to answer a few questions to ensure that you
are fit for anaesthesia. You should tell the nurse if you have been unwell, had a cough or cold or
had any recent change in medical condition.
Your weight will be taken to ensure the correct dose of anaesthesia is given.
You will then be asked to wait in the waiting area until your turn.
When it is your turn you will be called into the operating theatre where you will be asked to lie
down on the trolley. A parent/escort will be invited to accompany you.
The anaesthetist will then insert a very small needle, usually into the back of your hand. This will
feel like a small scratch and will be over very quickly. The anaesthetic will be given through the
needle and will act very fast.
Occasionally some patients, particularly children will have no visible veins to insert the needle,
so gas may be used. This is just as effective but will take slightly longer for you to fall asleep.

How long will it take?

Once you are asleep your parent/escort will go back to wait in the waiting room, the whole
procedure will usually only take 5 minutes.

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Dental Service, Outpatients B | Stepping Hill Hospital

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What happens when I wake up?

The nurse will take you into the recovery area where the recovery nurses will look after you.
You will wake up very quickly. Your parent/escort will be there as soon as you awake.
You will be transferred from the trolley into a comfortable chair to recover fully, usually for about
30 minutes or so.
Some people can be very disorientated and sometimes a little upset particularly if they have
been worried about the procedure. Do not worry as this usually does not last and you will feel
better with some reassurance.
The dentist and anaesthetist will check you before discharge, if you have any questions do not
hesitate to ask.
You will need to be taken home by a responsible adult in a taxi, or their car. You must not use
public transport.

How to find us
Parking may be difficult; however please try to park as close to the Maple Suite as possible.
Please note that Stepping Hill is a pay and display site and you will need to bring change for the
parking charges.

Contact us
Tel: 0161 419 4331

www.stockport.nhs.uk

Dental Service, Outpatients B | Stepping Hill Hospital

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If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on
audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact:
Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: 0161 419 5678.
Email: PCS@stockport.nhs.uk.

Our smoke free policy

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our sites. Please read our leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free
NHS Premises' to find out more.

Leaflet number
Publication date
Review date
Department
Location

www.stockport.nhs.uk

SUR69
November 2014
September 2015
Dental Service, Outpatients B
Stepping Hill Hospital

Dental Service, Outpatients B | Stepping Hill Hospital