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People have oral surgery for many different reasons. One common reason for the surgery is to remove impacted wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth. The surgery requires sedation, but such procedures are common and are not usually cause for major concern.
Eating and Drinking Before Oral Surgery
In general, you should not drink or eat anything for at least six hours before your scheduled surgery. For instance, if you have an early morning appointment, you should stop eating and drinking by midnight the night before. You should not take any medications or even water, unless your oral surgeon’s office instructs you to do so.
In some cases, your fasting instructions may be slightly different. Those who are going under general anesthesia are instructed to fast. However, those who will be sedated but conscious may be able to eat a light snack a few hours before the procedure. If you are allowed to eat, choose something simple like a piece of fruit or yogurt. Avoid spicy foods or those that might upset your stomach. Always follow the instructions of your dental office.
If you will be put under general anesthesia, then you should bring a driver with you to your appointment. The driver is there for moral support, but you will also need him or her there to drive you home afterward. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth before the surgery. A clean mouth may help reduce the risk of infection. It is recommended that you do not smoke or use tobacco for at least twelve hours before your surgery. You should also reschedule your appointment if you’re feeling sick.
Eating and Drinking After Your Oral Surgery
After your appointment, you should plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. Do not drive or operate any heavy machinery. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several days after the surgery.
You are typically advised to have only liquids for the first 24 hours after your appointment. Do not use a drinking straw for your beverages. Doing so could damage the site of the surgery. After the first 24 hours, you may begin eating soft, bland foods. Foods like plain yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, soup, and applesauce are generally recommended.
Avoid crunchy or spicy food, as they could irritate or damage the surgical site. You should also avoid foods that are chewy or hard. Even acidic foods and beverages like tomato sauce and orange juice could irritate your surgical site.
If you begin eating particular foods or beverages that cause pain or irritation in your mouth, stop eating them and choose something gentler. You should also avoid drinking alcohol after oral surgery for several days.
Some soreness and pain for a couple of weeks is normal. This discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications, or your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain reliever if needed.
Call the dental office if you notice bleeding or pain after eating. Slight swelling is normal for several weeks after dental surgery. It is also normal for your gums to bleed for a few hours after the surgery. However, if you notice severe swelling or excessive bleeding that interferes with eating or normal activities, contact your dental office immediately.
Twenty-four hours after your surgery, you can begin rinsing your mouth with salt water (1 teaspoon salt to 1 cup warm water). Swish 3–4 times daily for about two weeks—but don’t continue this longer than advised, as salt can damage enamel over time.
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In most cases, oral surgery patients heal with little to no complications. Fast before your surgery, avoid eating for 24 hours afterward, and stick to soft foods during recovery. And remember, if you experience persistent pain, excessive bleeding, or unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your dental provider.
