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Preparing for Oral Surgery: Your Complete Guide

If you’re scheduled for oral surgery, it’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions—perhaps some anxiety mixed with relief that you’re finally addressing a dental concern. Whether you’re having wisdom teeth extracted, receiving dental implants, or undergoing a more complex jaw procedure, the key to a smooth experience and quick recovery starts well before you sit in the surgical chair.

As Dr. Wael Att, DDS, PhD, a board-certified prosthodontist at The Face Dental Group in Boston, MA, I’ve guided countless patients through oral surgery procedures over my years of practice. With advanced training from Tufts University and the University of Freiburg, where I earned my PhD, I’ve seen firsthand how proper preparation can transform the surgical experience from daunting to manageable.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for oral surgery, from the week leading up to your procedure through your recovery period. My goal is to help you feel confident, informed, and ready for a successful outcome.

Why Proper Preparation for Oral Surgery Matters

You might wonder whether all the preparation guidelines your surgical team provides are really necessary. The answer is an emphatic yes. Proper preparation for oral surgery isn’t just about following rules—it’s about optimizing your body’s ability to handle the procedure and heal efficiently afterward.

Research consistently shows that patients who adequately prepare for oral surgery experience significantly fewer complications, enhanced anesthesia safety, reduced discomfort during and after the procedure, and faster recovery times. When you support your body’s natural healing processes through proper preparation, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome.

At The Face Dental Group, we’ve implemented comprehensive pre-surgical protocols based on the latest evidence-based practices. These protocols address everything from nutritional preparation to medication management, and they’ve proven instrumental in helping our Boston-area patients achieve excellent surgical outcomes.

Think of surgical preparation as an investment in your health. The time and effort you put into following pre-operative guidelines pays dividends in reduced pain, faster healing, and fewer post-surgical complications. It’s one of the most powerful ways you can actively participate in your own care.

One Week Before Surgery: Laying the Foundation

The week leading up to your oral surgery is crucial for preparation. Starting early gives you time to make necessary adjustments without feeling rushed or stressed. Here’s what you should focus on during this critical period.

Adjusting Your Diet

Begin transitioning to softer, nutrient-rich foods about a week before your procedure. This serves two purposes: it gets you accustomed to the types of foods you’ll need during recovery, and it ensures your body is well-nourished going into surgery.

Start incorporating foods like:

• Protein-rich smoothies with Greek yogurt, nut butters, and protein powder
• Soups and broths—especially bone broth, which is rich in healing nutrients
• Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes with butter or olive oil for calories
• Scrambled eggs or soft omelets
• Yogurt and cottage cheese for protein and probiotics
• Well-cooked oatmeal or cream of wheat
• Pureed vegetables for vitamins and minerals

Equally important is knowing what to avoid. Stay away from crunchy snacks, tough meats, chewy breads, and sticky foods. Also limit alcohol and excessive coffee consumption, as both can contribute to dehydration—your body’s enemy when it comes to healing. Dehydration can slow recovery and increase discomfort, so make hydration a priority throughout the week.

Reviewing Medications and Medical History

This step is absolutely critical and cannot be overlooked. You need to provide your surgical team with a complete picture of your health status, including:

• All prescription medications you currently take
• Over-the-counter drugs, including aspirin and pain relievers
• Vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies
• Existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, bleeding disorders, or respiratory issues
• Any allergies to medications or anesthesia

Certain medications can increase bleeding risks during surgery, particularly blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin, or even common anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Your surgical team may ask you to temporarily adjust or discontinue these medications. Never make these changes on your own—always coordinate with both your surgeon and your primary care physician.

If you have diabetes, you’ll likely receive special instructions about managing your blood sugar levels before and after surgery. Patients with heart conditions or those taking specific medications may need medical clearance from their physician before proceeding.

At The Face Dental Group, we conduct thorough medical history reviews during your consultation to identify any potential concerns well in advance. This proactive approach helps us customize your surgical plan for maximum safety.

Lifestyle Modifications: Smoking and Alcohol

If you smoke or use tobacco products, now is the time to stop—at minimum, for 12 hours before surgery, though ideally much longer. Smoking significantly interferes with healing by restricting blood flow to tissues and reducing oxygen delivery to surgical sites. It also increases your risk of complications like dry socket after extractions.

Similarly, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs for at least 72 hours before your procedure. These substances interfere with anesthesia effectiveness and can cause dangerous interactions with medications used during and after surgery.

I understand that quitting smoking, even temporarily, can be challenging. However, this surgical event can be a powerful motivator for making a lasting positive change in your health. Consider using this opportunity to quit for good—your oral health and overall wellbeing will thank you.

Preparing Your Home and Recovery Space

The week before surgery is also the time to prepare your home for recovery. Stock up on:

• Soft, nutritious foods (refer to the list above)
• Ice packs for swelling management
• Gauze pads for bleeding control
• Extra pillows for keeping your head elevated
• Entertainment options for your rest period (books, movies, podcasts)
• Any prescribed pain medications or antibiotics picked up from the pharmacy

Clean your living space and set up a comfortable recovery area. You’ll want everything within easy reach so you don’t have to move around unnecessarily during the first day or two after surgery. Arrange your bed or couch with extra pillows to keep your head elevated above your heart—this positioning significantly reduces swelling.

Managing Pre-Surgical Anxiety

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about oral surgery. In fact, dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons patients delay necessary treatment. The good news is that there are effective strategies for managing these feelings.

Try incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine during the week before surgery:

• Deep breathing exercises—practice 4-7-8 breathing (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8)
• Guided meditation using apps like Calm or Headspace
• Visualization techniques—imagine yourself moving through the procedure calmly and recovering smoothly
• Physical activity—light exercise like walking can reduce anxiety
• Talking with your surgical team—don’t hesitate to voice your concerns and ask questions

At The Face Dental Group, we specialize in advanced sedation options and creating a calm, supportive environment. Many of our anxious patients are surprised by how comfortable and relaxed they feel during their procedures. We’re always happy to discuss sedation options that can make your experience as stress-free as possible.

The Night Before and Day of Surgery: Final Preparations

As your surgery date approaches, there are specific guidelines you must follow to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Understanding Fasting Requirements

One of the most important pre-surgical instructions involves fasting. If you’re receiving IV sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll need to avoid all food and drink—including water—for 6-8 hours before your procedure. Some surgeons may allow clear liquids up to 4 hours prior, but you must follow your specific instructions exactly.

The fasting requirement exists for your safety. Having food or liquid in your stomach during sedation increases the risk of aspiration (inhaling stomach contents into your lungs), which can cause serious complications.

If you’re only receiving local anesthesia, fasting may not be required. However, always confirm your specific requirements with your surgical team. At The Face Dental Group, we provide detailed written instructions to every patient and are available by phone to answer any last-minute questions.

Arranging Transportation and Support

You must have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you for at least the first few hours after surgery. This is non-negotiable if you’re receiving any form of sedation beyond local anesthesia.

Even if you feel alert and capable after your procedure, sedation medications can impair your judgment, reaction time, and decision-making abilities for up to 24 hours. Do not plan to drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, or care for dependents during this period.

Choose your support person carefully—ideally someone calm and reliable who can help you follow post-operative instructions.

What to Wear and Bring

On the day of surgery, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Short sleeves are ideal, as they provide easy access for blood pressure monitoring and IV placement. Choose low-heeled, comfortable shoes with good traction.

Leave the following items at home or remove them before your procedure:

• Jewelry, including wedding rings and piercings
• Contact lenses (wear glasses instead)
• Dentures or partial plates (unless instructed otherwise)
• Makeup, lipstick, and nail polish (these can interfere with monitoring)

Bring your insurance information, a list of your current medications, and something to keep you comfortable in the recovery area, like a book or music with headphones.

Important Last-Minute Notifications

Call your surgical office immediately if you develop any illness before your procedure, including:

• Cold or flu symptoms
• Sore throat or cough
• Stomach upset or nausea
• Fever

These conditions can complicate anesthesia and increase surgical risks. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled, but that’s always preferable to proceeding when your body isn’t in optimal condition for surgery and healing.

Finally, get a good night’s sleep before your procedure. Being well-rested helps your body handle the stress of surgery and supports your immune system.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Understanding what will happen during your oral surgery can significantly reduce anxiety. While every procedure is different, here’s a general overview of what you can expect.

When you arrive at The Face Dental Group in Boston, our team will greet you and confirm your identity and the procedure you’re having. We’ll review your medical history one final time and answer any last-minute questions.

Your anesthesia will be tailored to your specific procedure and comfort needs. Options include:

• Local anesthesia—numbing medication injected around the surgical site
• IV sedation—medication through an IV that induces deep relaxation and may cause amnesia of the procedure
• General anesthesia—complete unconsciousness, typically reserved for complex procedures

Most oral surgery procedures at our practice utilize local anesthesia combined with IV sedation. This combination provides excellent pain control while keeping you comfortable and relaxed. Many patients report feeling like the procedure took only minutes, even when it lasted much longer.

Throughout your procedure, we’ll continuously monitor your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Your safety is our absolute top priority.

After your procedure is complete, you’ll rest in our recovery area while the sedation wears off. We won’t discharge you until you’re stable and your responsible adult is present to take you home.

Recovery and Aftercare: Setting Yourself Up for Success

The first 24-48 hours after oral surgery are crucial for healing. Following post-operative instructions carefully during this period can prevent complications and significantly reduce discomfort.

Immediate Post-Operative Care (First 24-48 Hours)

Rest is paramount. Plan to take it easy for at least 24-48 hours after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities, exercise, bending over, or heavy lifting. These activities increase blood pressure and can trigger bleeding or swelling.

Manage swelling with ice. Apply ice packs to the outside of your face in 15-minute intervals (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) during the first 24 hours. This dramatically reduces swelling and provides some pain relief. After the first day, ice becomes less effective, and you may switch to warm compresses if recommended by your surgeon.

Keep your head elevated. Sleep with your head propped up on 2-3 pillows, keeping it above the level of your heart. This positioning minimizes swelling and promotes drainage.

Control bleeding. Some oozing and blood-tinged saliva is normal for the first day. If bleeding occurs, bite down gently on clean gauze for 30-45 minutes. Avoid spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge blood clots. If bleeding doesn’t subside, contact your surgeon.

Stick to soft foods. During the first few days, consume only soft, cool or room-temperature foods. Avoid hot foods and beverages, which can dissolve blood clots and trigger bleeding. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, pudding, ice cream, and lukewarm soup.

Avoid straws at all costs. The sucking motion can dislodge blood clots and lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Drink directly from a cup or use a spoon.

Take medications as prescribed. Use pain medications and antibiotics exactly as directed. Don’t wait until pain becomes severe to take pain medication—staying ahead of discomfort is much easier than playing catch-up.

Ongoing Care and Oral Hygiene

Starting the day after surgery, you can begin gentle saltwater rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) after meals and before bed. Do this gently—don’t swish vigorously. These rinses keep the surgical site clean and promote healing.

Avoid brushing directly over the surgical site for the first few days, but do continue gentle brushing and flossing of your other teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene in the rest of your mouth helps prevent infection.

Gradually reintroduce normal foods as you feel comfortable, typically over the course of a week. Listen to your body—if something causes discomfort, switch back to softer options.

Recovery Timelines

Recovery times vary based on the type and complexity of your procedure. Here are general guidelines:

• Wisdom tooth extraction—Most patients return to normal activities in 3-7 days, with complete healing taking several weeks
• Single dental implant placement—Initial healing occurs in 7-10 days, though full integration takes 3-6 months
• More complex procedures—May require 2-4 weeks before returning to normal activities

Everyone heals at their own pace. Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal and typically peak around day 2-3 before improving. Trust the process and give your body the time it needs.

When to Contact Your Surgeon

While some discomfort is expected, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention. Contact The Face Dental Group right away if you experience:

• Severe pain that isn’t controlled by prescribed medication
• Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
• Swelling that worsens after day 3 or is accompanied by fever
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Numbness that persists beyond the expected timeframe
• Signs of infection (increasing pain, pus, fever above 101°F)
• A foul taste or smell that doesn’t improve with rinsing

We maintain emergency contact information for all our surgical patients and are available to address concerns promptly. Never hesitate to reach out—we’d much rather address a concern early than have you suffer unnecessarily or develop a complication.

Choosing the Right Oral Surgery Team in Boston

Your choice of oral surgeon significantly impacts your surgical experience and outcome. When selecting a provider for oral surgery in the Boston area, consider the