Surgical Instructions

Before Your Appointment | Local Anesthesia with Nitrous Oxide |
Local Anesthesia with Oral Sedation | IV Sedation / General Anesthesia

Your post-surgical instructions will be provided to you and or your escort the day of surgery. Surgical instructions are tailored to each individual based on the procedure that was performed.

Before your surgical appointment:

  • Prescriptions:  Fill all the prescriptions provided for your surgical appointment prior to your surgical date.
  • Work and social schedule:  After surgery you need to rest and take it easy for a few days.  Inform your employer, family and friends of your surgery so you can plan for a lighter work and social schedule.
  • Diet:  After surgery it is recommended that you stay on a soft diet. Please make sure to get everything you need before surgery so you can arrive to the comfort of your home after your procedure avoiding a trip to the store.
  • Sedatives and or IV sedation:  If you plan on taking an oral sedative or are having IV sedation for your surgery you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from our office the day of the procedure. It is recommended that your escort remain in our office for the entire procedure.
  • Nightguard / Retainers / Removable appliances:  If you wear a nightguard, retainer or any kind of removable appliance please bring it the day of surgery.
  • Medications:  Take all your routine medications unless your medical doctor has authorized you not to.
  • If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

Local anesthesia in combination with Nitrous Oxide

In addition to all the above you may:

  • Drive yourself to and from our office. No escort is necessary unless it is your preference.
  • You may eat or drink prior to your procedure.

Local Anesthesia with Oral (prescription) Sedation

  • You need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the office. It is our recommendation that your escort stays in the office for the duration of the procedure.
  • You may eat or drink something light prior to your procedure.

IV Sedation / General Anesthesia

  • You need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the office. It is our recommendation that your escort stays in the office for the duration of the procedure.
  • DO NOT eat or drink (including water) 6 hours prior your procedure.
  • Take all your routine medications (unless your medical doctor has authorized you no to) with as little water as possible.
  • Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes.

Apply as little makeup as possible and remove nail polish.

Please call us with any questions or concerns:

  Dr. Manuel La Rosa’s Team (Oral Surgeon):
  Tacoma: 253-564-1000
  Gig Harbor: 253-857-1000
  Vashon Island: 253-564-1000
  email: [email protected]

  Dr. Silvia La Rosa’s Team (Periodontist):
  Tacoma: 253-565-4700
  Gig Harbor: 253-851-0300
  Vashon Island: 253-565-4700
  email: [email protected]