Can i eat before wisdom teeth removal local anesthesia

December 20, 2018


Can i eat before wisdom teeth removal local anesthesia


If you’re having oral surgery, there are a few things you will need to do prior to your procedure. Be sure to follow these ten easy steps when gearing up for the big day!

1. Carefully read your pre-op instructions.

If your dentist provides you with any instructions prior to your surgery, make sure you read them! This will give you information regarding your anesthesia and how to prepare for it. It will also list any special instructions that are particularly pertinent to your specific procedure.

2. Pick up your medication in advance.

Once you’ve had your surgery, you will need to be in full recovery mode. Therefore, you won’t be able to leave the house for medication. Be sure to head to the pharmacy before your procedure to pick up any medications you will need during your recovery process.

3. Ask a family member or friend for a ride.

After anesthesia, you will not be able to drive a car or get home by yourself. Therefore, be sure to ask a family member or friend to take you to your visit and bring you home. If no one is available to bring you, you will need to wait at the dentist’s office for a while until it is safe for you to call a cab.

4. Head to the grocery store.

You will have a pretty strict diet after your oral surgery. Therefore, be certain to pick up the right foods to help you through recovery! When you’re shopping, stick to only healthy beverages like water, tea, milk, protein drinks. You’ll also need to stick to softer foods for a few days. Avoid any acidic or spicy foods, as well as any beverage that would require a straw.

5. Fast.

If you’re going to have anesthesia, your dentist will recommend that you do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to your surgery. If you need to take medication, only use a small sip of water if necessary. Doing so will help you to avoid any risk of aspiration during surgery.

6. Select the right clothing.

You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing for your procedure. Avoid wearing any shirts with sleeves, as nurses will need your arms to be available for taking your vital signs, giving an IV, or monitoring your blood pressure.

7. Do not smoke.

You should not smoke tobacco products for at least 12 hours prior to your surgery, and for at least 24 hours after your treatment.

8. Arrive early.

Make sure you plan to arrive at your appointment about 20 minutes early. This will give you time to fill out any necessary last-minute paper work and ask any lingering questions you might have.

9. Get a good night’s sleep.

It is always important to get a good night’s sleep prior to your procedure. Ask your dentist if there are any sleeping positions they recommend in order to avoid placing pressure on your mouth (if it is relevant to your particular procedure).

10. Ask any outstanding questions.

If you have any questions about your procedure, your recovery, or even the risks and benefits, be sure to ask! At Olympia Fields Dental Associates, we want our patients to feel well-informed and confident before any oral surgery.

If you have any questions about your oral surgery, don’t hesitate to ask! Call Olympia Fields Dental Associates in Olympia Fields today to speak with our helpful staff.

When it comes to removing wisdom teeth there are some important guidelines that need to be followed. These include everything from fasting before wisdom teeth removal to ensuring someone can safely drive you home (since it’s not safe for you to do yourself). 

Below, we’ve put together a guide on how to prepare yourself for wisdom teeth removal. 

There’s no getting out of it, you will need to fast for the night before your wisdom teeth removal if you’re going to be getting any type of sedation. Try to have as filling a meal as possible before you start fasting to carry you through your appointment. 

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 witrecovery 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.  

Can i eat before wisdom teeth removal local anesthesia

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 consciousnessYou 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. 

Contact us about any questions you may have about wisdom teeth removal or other dental surgeries we offer. 

Do you have to fast before wisdom teeth removal local anesthesia?

If you're coming into our office for an oral surgery procedure, you won't need to fast because the local anesthesia you'll receive for the surgery doesn't require it.

What happens if you eat before wisdom teeth removal?

By fasting you minimize the risk for a rare, but very serious potential anesthesia complication known as aspiration, which causes the lungs to fill with the contents of your stomach.

Can you eat before wisdom teeth removal no anesthesia?

If you are ONLY receiving local anesthesia, you may have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery. However, if you're also undergoing intravenous or general anesthesia, you may not eat or drink anything as explained below.

Can I eat before wisdom teeth removal laughing gas?

Unlike other methods of sedation, you don't really need to do anything special for nitrous oxide sedation. It's a very minimal type of sedation. You don't need to fast (avoid eating or drinking except water), or take any pills before your appointment.