Preparing for oral surgery takes more than just showing up at your appointment. The 24 hours leading up to your procedure play a critical role in ensuring everything goes smoothly and your recovery stays on track. Certain habits, foods, and activities can interfere with anesthesia, increase bleeding risks, or slow down healing.
At Sonrisa Family Dental, we help patients prepare properly for oral surgery so they can experience successful outcomes. Whether you need a tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal, or another surgical procedure, understanding what to avoid in the day before your appointment can make all the difference in your comfort and recovery.
Should You Smoke or Drink Alcohol Before Oral Surgery?
Tobacco and alcohol are two of the most important things to avoid before any oral surgery procedure. Both substances can create serious complications during and after your treatment.
Smoking should stop at least 12 hours before your procedure, though quitting earlier is even better. Tobacco contains chemicals that restrict blood vessels and reduce oxygen flow to your tissues. This impairs your body’s ability to heal wounds and increases your risk of infection. The suction created when you inhale from a cigarette can also dislodge blood clots after surgery, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Alcohol consumption needs to stop at least 24 hours before oral surgery. Drinking can thin your blood, which increases bleeding during the procedure and makes it harder for blood clots to form properly afterward. Alcohol also dehydrates your body, and adequate hydration is essential for healing. Additionally, alcohol can interact negatively with anesthesia and pain medications prescribed after surgery.
What Foods and Drinks Should You Avoid?
Your dental team will provide specific fasting instructions based on the type of anesthesia you’ll receive. If you’re having sedation or general anesthesia, you typically cannot eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your appointment. This includes water.
Fasting prevents aspiration, a dangerous situation where stomach contents enter your lungs during anesthesia. If you have a morning surgery scheduled, stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before. For afternoon procedures, stick to clear liquids for breakfast and stop consuming everything at least eight hours before your scheduled time.
Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods should be avoided the day before surgery. These items can irritate your mouth or get stuck between teeth near the surgical site. Acidic and spicy foods are also best avoided, as they can irritate your gum tissue and make the surgical area more sensitive.
Which Medications Should You Not Take?
Certain medications can interfere with blood clotting or interact with anesthesia. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners increase your risk of excessive bleeding during oral surgery. You should stop taking these medications several days before your procedure unless your doctor specifically tells you to continue them for another health condition.
Herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, and vitamin E can also affect blood clotting. Talk to your oral surgeon about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products. Your surgeon will tell you which ones to stop and which ones to continue.
If you take prescription medications for other health conditions, ask your surgeon whether you should take them on the day of surgery. Some medications need to continue, while others should be paused temporarily.
What Activities Should You Skip?
Strenuous exercise and physical activity should be avoided 24 hours before oral surgery. Intense workouts can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which may lead to increased bleeding during the procedure. Physical activity also increases your body’s stress levels when you should be resting and conserving energy for surgery and recovery.
Plan to take the day before surgery easy. Focus on getting quality sleep and staying relaxed. Stress and fatigue can weaken your immune system and make your body less prepared to handle surgery and heal efficiently afterward.
You should also avoid making any major decisions or signing important documents in the hours after your procedure. Anesthesia can impair your judgment and cognitive function temporarily.
How Should You Prepare Your Mouth?
Good oral hygiene before surgery reduces bacteria in your mouth and lowers your risk of infection. Brush your teeth thoroughly the night before and the morning of your procedure. Floss gently around all teeth, but avoid aggressive scrubbing near the area where surgery will occur.
If your surgeon prescribed an antiseptic mouthwash like Peridex, use it as directed in the days leading up to surgery. This special rinse reduces bacteria levels in your mouth.
Remove any removable dental appliances like dentures, retainers, or partial plates before arriving for surgery. You’ll also need to take out contact lenses, remove jewelry, and avoid wearing excessive makeup or nail polish on the day of your procedure.
Contact Sonrisa Family Dental for Oral Surgery in Illinois
Following pre-surgical instructions carefully gives you the best chance for a smooth procedure and quick recovery. The team at Sonrisa Family Dental accepts Medicaid and Medicare for oral surgery procedures, making quality dental care accessible to patients throughout Illinois.
Our experienced dental professionals will walk you through exactly what you need to do before your appointment and provide comprehensive support throughout your recovery. Contact us today to schedule your oral surgery consultation and get personalized preparation instructions.
