Fasting Before Dental Surgery

How it works

Do you have an upcoming dental procedure where you need to fast? We’ve outlined how to do it as well as things to consider before your upcoming procedure.

Fasting steps

Before your procedure, your dentist may tell you to fast for eight to 12 hours, unless you’re diabetic.
What does “fasting” means? Fasting means NO EATING OR DRINKING, not even water. Take any medications as you normally would, but try to only have a small sip of water.
Why is fasting important? You minimize the risk of a rare, but serious potential complication known as aspiration.
You can continue to take prescribed medication, but only drink as much water as you need to swallow any pills.

After your procedure

Will you be under sedation? If so, it’s best to get someone to drive you or help you in and out of a taxi.
Stock up on soft, easy-to-chew food for after your procedure. It’s best to talk to your dentist about what you can and cannot eat after your procedure. Usually foods like yogurt, soup and ice cream are great choices.
Don’t eat hard, crunchy or sticky foods until your dentist says it’s okay to do so.
Don’t eat anything too hot right after your procedure. Your mouth may still be numb after your procedure so you may not be able to recognize food or drinks that can burn your mouth.
Try to take it easy as much as possible while you heal.
Avoid sucking through straws or smoking cigarettes for at least three to five days following surgery. This is so you don’t dislodge any blood clots that formed at the surgery site. If this happens, it is known as “dry socket.”
Use an ice pack to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. You can put an icepack on the surgery site for 15 minutes at a time.
24 hours after your procedure, you can rinse with salt water to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. You can do this 4 times a day and after meals. The salt solution is 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to one cup of warm water.
Make sure to rest after any procedure and follow our dentist’s post care instructions. Remember that the best way to heal is by giving your body the chance to recover.

In pain? Not sure if everything is healing the way it should? Call us immediately.

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Fasting Before Dental Surgery

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