After sedation and anesthesia
After Your Appointment
Recovery is part of your care. The instructions below cover what to expect after sedation or general anesthesia and how to care for your mouth at home. Your care team will also send you home with printed instructions specific to your procedure.
Have a question after your visit? Call us anytime at (314) 862-7844. We are glad to help.
The Day of Your Procedure
After your procedure, go straight home and plan to be sedentary for the rest of the day. Sedation medications may affect clear thinking and coordination for up to 24 hours, so feeling drowsy is normal.
Until the day following your procedure, please refrain from:
- Driving
- Operating heavy machinery
- Making important decisions
- Returning to school or work
- Physical activity
A responsible adult should drive you home and stay with you while the sedation wears off. All normal activities may be resumed the following day unless your anesthesiologist or dentist indicates otherwise.
Eating and Drinking
Drink plenty of fluids for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Ease back into eating gradually, starting with a soft, bland diet, and resume your normal diet after 24 hours unless your dentist advises otherwise. Please do not drink alcohol for the first 24 hours following your procedure.
Printable instructions
Printable Post-Op Instructions
Download a printer-friendly copy to keep on the fridge or share with a caregiver.
General Anesthesia or Sedation
Oral Surgery
Crown or Bridge
Dental Implant
Fluoride Trays
NTI Device
New Fillings
Stainless Steel Crown
Sinus Precautions
Denture with Soft Liner
Home care
Home Care Guides
Daily care tips to help your new denture feel comfortable and last for years.
Denture Home Care
Partial Denture Home Care
We are here to help
Questions? We Are Here for You
If you have any questions after your visit, about your recovery, your instructions, or anything at all, call us at (314) 862-7844. Our team is always happy to hear from you and glad to help. Caregivers and family members are welcome to call on a patient’s behalf.