Preparation
To prepare for oral surgery, confirm your medications with the office (especially blood thinners and diabetes medication), arrange a responsible adult to drive you home if you are having sedation, follow the fasting instructions exactly, stock up on soft foods, and plan a few days of rest. On the day, wear loose short-sleeved clothing, skip makeup, contact lenses, jewellery, and nail polish, and bring your medication list and health card.
Key takeaways
- Tell the office about every medication and supplement, and never stop a blood thinner on your own.
- For sedation or general anesthesia, you must fast and have an adult escort, and you cannot drive for 24 hours.
- Call the office if you develop a cold, cough, or a fever over 38 °C before surgery.
- Plan for 3 to 5 days of recovery time after sedation or more involved surgery.
- Give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to change your appointment.
Two Weeks Before Surgery
- Review your medications with the office. Bring or send an up-to-date list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Blood thinners. Tell the office if you take warfarin, dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), heparin, or another blood thinner. Any change must be overseen by your family physician or prescribing doctor. Aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) may not need to be stopped unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Medical conditions. Remind the office about diabetes, heart conditions, joint replacements, sleep apnea, or pregnancy.
- Book time off. Arrange 3 to 5 days away from work, school, or heavy activity, depending on your procedure.
- Arrange your escort. If you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia, a responsible adult aged 18 or older must bring you, take you home, and stay with you for the rest of the day.
- Check your insurance. Submit your estimate for predetermination if you have not already. See our insurance page.
The Week Before
- Stock soft foods: yogurt, applesauce, pudding, soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, protein shakes. See what to eat after wisdom teeth removal.
- Fill prescriptions early if you were given them at your consultation.
- Prepare your recovery spot: extra pillows to keep your head elevated, ice packs, gauze, a timer, and your written instructions.
- Reduce or stop smoking and vaping. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of dry socket.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery, and do not use recreational drugs.
If You Become Ill
Call the office before your appointment if you develop a cold, cough, runny nose, chest congestion, or a fever over 38 °C, or if your health changes. Illness can affect anesthesia safety, and the team will decide whether to proceed or reschedule.
The Night Before
- Fasting. For sedation or general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless your written instructions give different timing for an afternoon appointment. This includes gum, candy, coffee, tea, juice, and water.
- Usual medications. Most regular medications can be taken with small sips of water, except diabetic medication or any medication you have been told to adjust. Ask the office if you are unsure.
- Shower and remove nail polish and artificial nails where possible.
- Lay out loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves so blood pressure and IV monitoring are easy.
- Confirm your escort and their pickup time.
If you accidentally eat or drink after the cut-off, call the office before coming in. For your safety, surgery under sedation may need to be rescheduled.
The Morning Of Surgery
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Wear loose clothing with short sleeves | Wear makeup, perfume, cologne, or jewellery |
| Bring your health card, medication list, and forms | Wear contact lenses; bring glasses and a case instead |
| Bring a case for dentures or glasses | Smoke on the morning of surgery |
| Arrive at the time the office gave you | Bring valuables |
| Silence your phone for the operatory | Drive yourself if you are having sedation |
You will review and sign a surgical consent form before treatment. Patients under 16 need a parent or guardian to sign consent unless married. Ask any questions before treatment begins.
To see what happens during the visit, watch the video on our day of surgery page and read IV sedation vs general anesthesia.
After You Get Home
- Rest with your head elevated, and do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation.
- Keep gauze in place as instructed and follow your pain management schedule.
- Apply ice to your cheeks for the first 24 hours, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Start with cool clear fluids, then soft foods once you are alert.
The full aftercare guide is in oral surgery recovery, and procedure-specific instructions are on our after surgery page.
Changing Your Appointment
If something unexpected comes up, please give the office at least 48 hours' notice whenever possible. The office may call 1 or 2 days before surgery to confirm; please return the call if a voicemail is left. Short-notice cancellations may carry a fee, as described in your written instructions.
Surgery At Our Waterloo Office
Patients from Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, and Stratford have surgery at our office at 96 Union Street East, near Uptown Waterloo, with plenty of parking for escorts. Questions about your preparation? Call +1 (519)-743-7811. Complete instructions are on our pre-operative instructions page.
Sources
- Pre-operative instructions and pre-surgical instructions, Dr. Kevin J. McCann Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
FAQ
Can I Drink Water Before Oral Surgery?
Not if you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia, unless your written instructions allow it. Fasting includes water after the cut-off time. With local anesthetic only, eating a light meal beforehand is usually fine.
Should I Take My Regular Medications Before Surgery?
Most regular medications can be taken with small sips of water, but diabetic medication and blood thinners need specific instructions. Call the office and follow the advice of your physician; do not change medications on your own.
Can I Take A Taxi Or Rideshare Home After Sedation?
Only if a responsible adult travels with you and stays with you afterward. You cannot go home alone after sedation or general anesthesia.
What Should I Wear To Oral Surgery?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves, flat shoes, and no makeup, jewellery, contact lenses, perfume, or nail polish.
How Long Should I Take Off Work After Oral Surgery?
Plan for 3 to 5 days after sedation or more involved surgery such as wisdom teeth removal. Simple procedures under local anesthetic often need less time.
This article is general patient education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or the written instructions from your own surgeon or dentist. If you have heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling, call the office or go to the nearest emergency department.