Can you eat before your wisdom teeth surgery

Steps to prepare for oral surgery

The day of your wisdom tooth extraction or dental implants is coming up soon. Are you ready?

• Schedule time off from work or school, to correspond with when you'll be recovering. Time varies from one patient to the next.
• Prepare a comfortable area in your home to rest and enjoy a relaxing form of entertainment, such as watching TV. The effects of the anesthesia can take up to 24 hours to wear off completely.
• Make sure you have some cold packs at home, and your supply of over the counter pain medication. Apply ice packs to your face for 15 minutes on and then 15 minutes off to reduce swelling.
• Don’t eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight of the evening before your surgery.
• Remember to dress comfortably. You’ll feel better overall and will be ready to rest after your surgery.
• Arrive 20 minutes early to give yourself time to complete any last-minute paperwork, and to relax for a few moments prior to the surgery.
• A person 18 years or older must accompany you on the day of the surgery.  The accompanying person must be PRESENT in the waiting area during the surgery they may not leave the facility.  Transportation must be available and onsite during your procedure.
• Stick to a liquid and/or soft foods for the first day or two. Examples include soups, yogurts, fruit milkshakes, smoothies and mashed potatoes. 

One of the most common questions our team fields when a client is faced with an impending oral surgery date is “what am I allowed eat or drink before my surgery?” This is an important question, as the food and drink that is ingested prior to a surgery can greatly affect the body’s interaction with administered anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will be able to give you specific guidelines regarding what you can eat and drink, and when.

This information is based on a combination of your general tolerance to anesthesia, as well as the type of sedative that will be used during your surgery. The following are three basic anesthesia types, and the corresponding dietary restrictions to heed when faced with oral surgery.

Local Anesthesia

A local anesthesia, or “local,” as it is commonly called, only affects the immediate area in which it is administered. A shot or topical numbing agent is an example of a local anesthetic. In this case, it is often advised that the patient refrain from eating for at least three hours prior to the oral surgery appointment – and it is beneficial if the meal is light.

Nitrous Oxide

Another popular sedative used during oral surgery is nitrous oxide. Commonly known as “laughing gas” due to its often-humorous side effect, nitrous oxide delivers a potent yet safe dose of euphoria that can make the patient less sure of their surroundings. One of the benefits of nitrous, when it comes to dietary restrictions, is the fact that the patient may eat a light meal up until three or four hours before their oral surgery time. This adds some flexibility to the appointment.

Intravenous IV

This method delivers the heaviest level of sedation for longer or more involved oral surgery procedures. IV sedation often leaves the patient unaware of their surroundings and they typically have little to no memory of the surgery. The anesthetic must be administered on an empty stomach; so stricter dietary guidelines must be followed to ensure safety and effectiveness. The basic rule of thumb is to refrain from eating during the day of the surgery if the procedure is scheduled on or before 2pm. If it will begin after 2pm, a light breakfast consisting of no more than 8 ounces of fluids may be consumed – at least six hours before the procedure. Stay away from sugar and milk if you are going to eat breakfast.

Your oral surgeon will tailor your diet plan to your specific needs, as well as to the level of anesthetic that you will likely encounter. Though it may seem straightforward, it is crucial that you follow the guidance of the oral surgeon’s pre operative instructions and adhere to the diet plan – you’ll enjoy a safer surgery and a more pleasant experience.

As frustrating as it might be, there are several good reasons for it. Fasting prevents the risk of aspiration (choking on food), risk of infections, preventing nausea and vomiting, and bowel interference. All of the aforementioned issues can occur when food or drink is in your body under anesthetic which is why fasting is so important. If you do accidentally eat something before surgery let the receptionist know so that they can reschedule your appointment.

Preparing Your Home Before Heading to Surgery 

Before you head out, the best thing you can do for post-surgery you is to set your home up with recovery in mind. Set up your bed with comfortable pillows, give yourself options to enjoy some kind of entertainment while you recover like TV, movies, or video games nearby, and purchase food you will be allowed to eat.  

Avoid smoking before or after your surgery too as this could potentially infect your mouth or extend your period of recovery.  

Kinds of Sedation You Can Get 

Local anesthetic, also known as “freezing”, is administered to the tooth removal areas. You will be awake if you receive this type of anesthetic. 

Sedation anesthetic will suppress your consciousness. You likely won’t have a memory of the procedure. At Enamel Dental, sedation can be given through an IV or orally. You will also have local anesthetic.

More complicated extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, may require a referral to an oral surgeon. Dr. Marino and Dr. Jung will discuss all of your options at your consultation appointment.  

Our New Protocols in the Office to Keep You Safe 

Once you’re in our office before your wisdom teeth removal we’ve implemented some new guidelines to keep you and our staff safe. 

• Bring your own mask before you come and wear it into our office.  
• Call when you arrive or knock on the waiting room door when you get to our location.  
• One of our staff members will come out and meet you and will walk you through to your appointment room. 

Removing your wisdom teeth is often a smooth process, and preparing yourself accordingly physically, mentally, and organizing your home to cater to your needs will help immensely. 

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