If you have an upcoming oral surgery appointment, you may be wondering what you can eat beforehand. This can be answered if you know what type of anesthesia your dentist or oral surgeon will be administering.
In some cases, you can have a light meal or a snack to keep you fresh. However, there are some procedures that require you to fast for a couple of hours. Understanding the guidelines before going in for your surgery helps prevent complications and promotes a smooth process.
Why Fasting Matters Before Oral Surgery?
To keep you comfortable and pain-free during oral surgery, dentists often give you anesthetic. Anesthesia can make it harder for you to swallow and make you gag more. If you have food in your stomach, it can make you feel nauseous or perhaps make you throw up during the treatment.
Fasting lowers these risks and lets your surgical team focus on giving you safe treatment.
Can You Eat Before Local Anesthesia?
If your dentist plans to only use local anesthesia, you can have a normal meal a few hours before your surgical appointment. Local anesthesia does not affect your consciousness or protective reflexes.
In fact, eating beforehand can help stabilize your blood sugar and prevent lightheadedness. Choose a balanced meal and avoid alcohol. After your procedure, it is recommended to wait until the numbness has worn off before you eat to avoid biting your tongue or cheek.
Should You Avoid Food Before IV Sedation or General Anesthesia?
If your oral surgeon wants to put you to sleep with IV sedation or general anesthesia, you need to avoid eating and drinking for a few hours before the surgery. Most doctors and nurses say:
- For at least 6 to 8 hours before surgery, you can’t eat solid food.
- No clear liquids for at least two hours before surgery.
- Based on your procedure and medical history, your surgeon will give you specific instructions.
Follow these rules to the letter. Even tiny snacks or drinks can make surgery more dangerous.
What Happens If You Eat By Mistake?
If you accidentally eat or drink outside the allowed window, contact your dentist immediately. You must inform your dentist about this so that they can reschedule the surgery for a later time, if need be.
Eating too close to surgery increases the risk of complications during sedation. Your surgical team prioritizes your health over convenience.
Can You Drink Water Before Your Surgery?
Drinking enough water before your surgery can help you heal faster. If you are undergoing IV sedation or general anesthesia, you may be allowed to drink clear liquids up to two hours before surgery. Always follow your dentist’s specific instructions.
Things to Think About if You Have a Medical Condition
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure and take medicine for it, your dentist will be able to give you more specific advice before surgery. In this instance, you might have to change when you take your medicine and when you fast.
It is better if you don’t skip your prescribed medicines unless instructed by your provider.
To Sum Up
To know if you can eat before your procedure or not depends on the type of anesthesia that is being administered. You can usually eat before local anesthesia is administered.
For more specific instructions regarding pre-surgery care, consult with the dentists at Enhance Dental so they can guide you accurately. Contact our office today to book your consultation.