Your dentist told you that you need oral surgery. The word “surgery” may have you wondering what to expect to prepare for the procedure. Can you eat before your oral surgery? Do you have to fast? Can you drink liquids? These are all valid questions. While oral surgery preparations should be explained thoroughly by your dentist before your procedure, we can answer some of your initial questions regarding fasting and whether or not you can eat before dental surgery.

Can you Eat Before Oral Surgery?

The answer to this question will depend on the procedure and the type of anesthetics and sedation you require. Oral surgery, unlike any other kind of surgery, will implement different numbing or sedation techniques. The choice of what medication or sedation techniques to use will largely depend on the type of procedure and your individual needs. For example, major surgery, such as open-heart surgery, will always require much heavier intervention than minor surgery, such as a few sutures on a cut finger. Within the context of dental surgeries, wisdom tooth removal almost always requires an expanded arsenal compared with sedation needs for a regular tooth extraction. For someone who suffers extreme odontophobia (fear of the dentist or going to the dentist), an otherwise simple tooth extraction might also justify more sedation intervention than someone who doesn’t suffer from anxiety. 

Laughing Gas and food (Nitrous Oxide, Inhalation Sedation)

Inhalation sedation, often referred to as “laughing gas,” is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen administered to the patient through a nosepiece or cannula. Nitrous oxide is one of the lesser invasive forms of dental sedation and carries minimal risk (always discuss your health conditions with your dentist). “Laughing gas” helps relax the body while fully awake and aware of what’s happening around you. Once the dentist removes the nosepiece or cannula, the effects will wear off relatively quickly. Eating before your procedure that uses only nitrous oxide as a sedative is usually not an issue, however, some may become nauseous if they eat too close to their procedure. If you are uncertain how you will react, your dentist may suggest that you avoid food and liquids a couple of hours prior until you know how you react to the nitrous oxide.

Local Anesthetics and Food

Less invasive dental procedures use local anesthetics, which last roughly half an hour to an hour. Local injectable medications may include lidocaine, articaine, prilocaine, bupivacaine, or mepivacaine. Dentists may also use a numbing topical gel. Unless your dentist instructs you otherwise, you should not need to fast for minor dental procedures that require only local anesthetics.

Oral Sedation Medication and Food 

Oral sedation medication is one of many types of sedation treatments available for use in dental procedures. Oral sedation requires that your dentist write you a prescription ahead of time to give you enough time to fill the prescription. Sometimes the medication will be taken the night before and then again the morning of your procedure. Sedation medication taken orally may or may not require that you take it with food. You will need to consult your prescribing dentist or the pharmacist for directions on how and when to take your oral sedation medication. Under some circumstances, you may need to limit your intake to clear liquids up to six hours before your procedure.

General Anesthesia (IV Sedation) and Food

General anesthesia, or IV sedation, is reserved for more invasive dental work or for those who suffer from high levels of anxiety. General anesthesia is administered through an IV and carefully controlled by a specially trained and certified sedation dentist. Your sedation dentist will also monitor your vitals throughout the procedure. General anesthesia slows down or completely stops some of your body’s normal reflexes. If you eat before going under general anesthesia for oral surgery, you may vomit or bring food back up from the stomach into your throat. This event introduces a risk of choking or aspirating food into your lungs, creating additional complications or an immediate medical emergency. It’s mainly for this reason that you are required to fast from food and liquids, including water, for at least six hours before your procedure. Unless directed otherwise, you should still take your prescription medication with a small amount of water. Be sure to disclose all medications and supplements you are currently taking with your sedation dentist before your procedure, including blood thinners, and do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment.

So, Can You Eat Before Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery requiring anesthesia will require you to refrain from eating and drinking several hours before the surgery. The reason is to clear out the digestive tract so that no more food or liquid remains. For many patients, certain medications may induce nausea which can cause someone to vomit. Vomiting under anesthesia creates a choking hazard or may result in aspirating food into the lungs. Oral and inhalation sedation may or may not require fasting, and the decision may depend on your circumstances; your dental professional will instruct you on what to do. Localized anesthetics rarely have the need you fast from food and water before your procedure.

Certified Dentist for Oral Surgery in Paradise Valley – Phoenix, AZ

A quality dentist trained and certified in sedation dentistry will take the time to discuss your health history as it pertains to dental work to formulate a treatment plan that works for you. If you’re looking for a sedation dentist in the Paradise Valley – Phoenix, AZ area, we welcome you to fill out our online form for your virtual consultation right from the comfort and convenience of your home.