Getting ready for oral surgery feels different from a routine dental appointment. The days leading up to your procedure come with a mix of questions: what can you eat, what should you wear, who needs to be with you, and what happens if you forget to mention a medication? For many patients, the anxiety isn’t just about the surgery itself. It’s about the fear of showing up unprepared and realizing too late that there was something important to know.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we believe a well-prepared patient is a more confident patient. Whether you’re coming in for wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, bone grafting, or another procedure, our team walks you through every step ahead of time. Our oral surgery procedurescover a wide range of care, and no matter what you’re scheduled for, the pre-operative process follows a clear and manageable checklist. Here’s what you need to know before surgery day.
Medications and Medical History
Before anything else, make sure your surgical team has a complete picture of your health. This means disclosing all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements, as well as any changes to your medical history since your consultation. Blood thinners, aspirin, certain diabetes medications, and herbal supplements can all affect bleeding and healing. Your surgeon may ask you to pause or adjust specific medications in the days before your procedure.
If you have a joint replacement, artificial heart valve, or other condition requiring antibiotic prophylaxis, notify the office in advance. The same applies if you’ve had a recent illness. A cold, flu, or stomach bug close to your surgery date may require rescheduling, so it’s always better to call and confirm rather than assume you’re cleared to proceed.
Review all patient information well ahead of your appointment to ensure your intake forms reflect your most current health status.
Fasting Before Your Procedure
Why Fasting Matters
If your procedure involves sedation or general anesthesia, fasting beforehand is one of the most critical safety requirements. Research published through the National Institutes of Health highlights that preoperative fasting significantly reduces the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia, a serious complication that can occur when stomach contents enter the airway.
Fasting Guidelines to Follow
The standard recommendation is no food or drink for at least six to eight hours before your scheduled procedure. This includes water, coffee, juice, and even gum. If you take a medication your surgeon has approved, it may be taken with a very small sip of water. Patients with diabetes or other conditions that affect fasting requirements will receive individualized guidance at the time of scheduling.
Our team provides detailed instructions before anesthesia to make sure you’re clear on exactly what to avoid and for how long.
What to Wear and What to Leave at Home
On the morning of surgery, dress comfortably. Loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that roll above the elbow allows easy access for monitoring equipment and IV placement. Avoid makeup, nail polish (especially dark colors, which can interfere with oxygen monitoring), and jewelry, including facial piercings. Leave contact lenses at home and opt for glasses instead.
Low-heeled, supportive shoes are the right choice. After sedation or anesthesia, balance and coordination may be temporarily affected, making supportive footwear a practical safety measure.
Arranging a Responsible Adult to Drive You
If your procedure involves sedation or general anesthesia, you cannot drive yourself home, and this is non-negotiable. Plan for a trusted adult to bring you to the appointment, remain in the office during your procedure, and drive you home. Depending on the sedation options used, anesthesia effects can linger for up to 24 hours, so having someone stay with you for the remainder of the day is also strongly advised.
For minor procedures under local anesthesia only, this requirement does not apply, but having support is still encouraged, especially for first-time patients.
Set Up Your Recovery Space in Advance
One of the most overlooked parts of pre-operative planning is preparing your home for recovery. Stock soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, pudding, and soup before your surgery date. Have ice packs accessible for managing swelling. Fill any prescribed medications ahead of time so they’re ready when you arrive home. Being intentional about your recovery space in advance makes the hours immediately following surgery far more manageable.
Ask Questions at Your Consultation
A thorough consultation sets the foundation for a smooth surgical experience. If you came in with concerns about your procedure and still have unanswered questions, call us before your surgery date. Our team is here to make sure you walk into surgery with full confidence.
Understanding what to expect at your oral surgery consultation is a great starting point if you’re still working through the details.
Schedule Your Surgery with Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Preparing for oral surgery doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right information, a few days of thoughtful planning, and a care team that genuinely prioritizes your comfort, the process becomes straightforward. At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our surgeons and staff are with you from your first question to your final follow-up, making sure no detail gets missed.
If you’re ready to schedule your procedure or have questions about what to expect, we invite you to contact our office at our Virginia Beach or Chesapeake location. We look forward to taking care of you.
