How to Prepare for Oral Surgery
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sergio Calleja, DDS, MPH — Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
Good preparation makes surgery day calmer and recovery smoother. This page walks you through everything to handle in the days before oral surgery — medications, food and drink rules, what to wear, and how to set up your home for an easy recovery.
One rule above all: the written instructions we give you for your specific procedure always take priority over this general guide. When in doubt, call us — a two-minute phone call beats a rescheduled surgery.
The Week Before: Tell Us and Get Ready
The most important preparation happens at least several days out, when there is still time to adjust the plan safely:
- Review every medication and supplement with us — especially blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix), diabetes medications, and weight-loss or diabetes injections such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or other GLP-1 medications, which change anesthesia planning. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own; we coordinate any changes with your physician.
- Tell us if you develop a cold, cough, fever, or any illness in the days before surgery — some conditions require rescheduling for your safety.
- If you smoke or vape, stopping even a few days before surgery measurably improves healing — and you will need to avoid it completely for at least 72 hours afterward.
- Arrange your driver now if you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia — a responsible adult must bring you, stay nearby, and take you home. This is a safety requirement, not a suggestion.
- Plan your time off: check your procedure guide for typical recovery time, and give yourself at least the first day completely free.
Set Up Your Recovery Station at Home
Do your shopping before surgery day — you will be glad everything is waiting for you:
- Soft foods and liquids: smoothie ingredients, yogurt, applesauce, protein shakes, blended soups, mashed potatoes, eggs, pasta
- Ice packs or bags of frozen peas — two sets, so one is always in the freezer
- Extra pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping the first nights
- Fill any prescriptions we send in advance, so nothing stands between you and your couch after surgery
- Gauze, a small cup for salt-water rinses (for later days), and lip balm
- Entertainment within reach — the first day is for resting, hydrating, and doing very little
Food and Drink Before Surgery
If you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia, fasting is a strict safety requirement — an empty stomach protects your airway while you are sedated. Typical instructions are no food or drink for at least 8 hours before your appointment (often phrased as "nothing after midnight"), and we will confirm your exact fasting window when your surgery is scheduled. See our anesthesia preparation page for the complete rules.
If your procedure uses local anesthesia only (you stay fully awake), eat a normal meal beforehand — patients who skip breakfast are more likely to feel lightheaded during treatment.
Surgery Day: What to Wear and Bring
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that roll up easily (for monitoring and, if applicable, the IV)
- Flat, secure shoes — no heels or flip-flops if you are being sedated
- Leave jewelry, piercings, and valuables at home; remove contact lenses (bring glasses instead)
- Skip makeup, lipstick, and heavy moisturizer; if asked, keep at least one fingernail free of polish (a small sensor on your finger reads oxygen levels during sedation)
- Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, your complete medication list, and any paperwork we asked you to complete
- Arrive on time — a few minutes early lets us start calmly
The Night Before: Quick Checklist
- Confirm your driver and their phone number
- Set out comfortable clothes and your ID/insurance card
- Start your fasting window on time if you are being sedated
- Get a full night of sleep — rested bodies handle surgery better
- Charge your phone and set your alarm with time to spare
Call Us If
- You develop a fever, cough, cold, or feel unwell in the days before surgery
- You realize you ate or drank inside your fasting window — be honest with us; we would far rather reschedule than take a risk
- Your driver falls through — we will help you re-plan
- You have any question about a medication, however small
Office: (301) 645-6911 (Waldorf) · (301) 863-8107 (California, MD). For emergencies, call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat before oral surgery?
It depends on your anesthesia. With IV sedation or general anesthesia, no — typically no food or drink for at least 8 hours before surgery, confirmed in your written instructions. With local anesthesia only, yes — eat a normal meal so you feel steady during the procedure.
Should I stop taking my medications before surgery?
Never on your own. Bring us a complete list of your medications and supplements at the consultation — including blood thinners and GLP-1 injections like Ozempic — and we will tell you exactly what to take, what to pause, and when, coordinating with your prescribing physician where needed.
Do I really need someone to drive me home?
If you receive IV sedation or general anesthesia, yes — a responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you. Sedation affects judgment, reflexes, and memory for the rest of the day even when you feel normal. Rideshare drivers do not qualify as an escort. For local-anesthesia-only procedures, you may usually drive yourself.
What should I wear to oral surgery?
Loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily, flat shoes, no jewelry or contact lenses, and minimal makeup. If you are being sedated, keep at least one fingernail polish-free for the oxygen sensor.
What if I get sick right before my surgery date?
Call us as soon as symptoms appear. A cold, fever, or cough can affect anesthesia safety, and we would rather reschedule than take an avoidable risk. There is no penalty for being honest about being sick.
How early should I prepare for oral surgery?
Start about a week out: confirm your medication plan, arrange your driver and time off, and do your soft-food shopping. The night before should only be a final check — not a scramble.
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team walks every patient through preparation and recovery — call us or send a consultation request.
Related Guides
This page is general patient education, not personal medical advice. The written instructions provided for your specific procedure always take priority. For emergencies, call 911.