Oral Surgery

What Should I Eat or Drink Before My Oral Surgery?

You’ve probably heard before that you shouldn’t eat or drink anything for a few hours leading up to a surgery. This same rule applies for many of the procedures we perform at Austin Oral Surgery.

Your food and drink consumption depends entirely on the type of anesthesia you’ll be receiving during the procedure and the time of your appointment.

Local Anesthesia numbs the area of the mouth being operated on. You will be fully awake and recall the surgery afterwards. If you are ONLY receiving local anesthesia, you may have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery. However, if you’re also undergoing intravenous or general anesthesia, you may not eat or drink anything as explained below.

Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, will make you somewhat less aware of your surroundings and is used in conjunction with local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide requires no special dietary restrictions other than those prescribed for local anesthesia.

Intravenous (IV) Anesthesia makes you less aware of your surroundings and many patients don’t recall the surgery afterwards. IV anesthesia must be administered on an empty stomach. If you’re surgery is scheduled for 1:30 pm or before, you shouldn’t have anything to eat or drink (including water) before the appointment.

If your appointment is scheduled after 1:30 pm you may have a light breakfast at least 6 hours prior to the surgery. The breakfast may also include 6 ounces of apple juice, water, or black coffee. Do not add any sugar or milk to the coffee. After the breakfast, do not eat or drink anything.

If you have any questions about preparing for your surgery, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Follow any extra instructions your surgeon has given you and always ask if you need us to clarify something.