Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, often performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Patients frequently ask about pre-operative eating and drinking restrictions. Adhering to these guidelines is important for patient safety.
Standard Fasting Guidelines
Before wisdom teeth removal involving sedation or general anesthesia, specific fasting guidelines are provided. For solid foods, patients stop eating six to eight hours before the scheduled procedure. This allows the stomach to empty. Clear liquids, such as water or black coffee, have a shorter restriction, often two hours before surgery. These are general recommendations, and specific timing varies based on individual circumstances and anesthesia type.
Why Fasting is Critical for Safety
Fasting before anesthesia prevents pulmonary aspiration. General anesthesia relaxes the body’s muscles, including protective reflexes preventing stomach contents from entering the airway. If the stomach contains food or liquids, these can be regurgitated and inhaled. This can lead to severe respiratory issues like aspiration pneumonia. An empty stomach significantly reduces this risk, promoting a safer anesthetic experience.
What Counts as Food and Drink
Food encompasses more than just solid meals; it includes chewing gum, hard candy, and mints. Beverages like milk, cream, pulpy juices, and alcoholic drinks are considered non-clear liquids and must be avoided. Plain water is generally allowed up to two hours before the procedure. Patients needing essential medications should discuss taking them with a small sip of water with their surgeon.
What Happens if You Don’t Fast
Not following fasting instructions can lead to significant consequences. The most common outcome is postponement or cancellation of wisdom teeth removal, as proceeding with a non-empty stomach poses an unacceptable risk of aspiration. This delay can be inconvenient and may require rescheduling. In rare instances, if the procedure were to proceed and aspiration occurred, it could lead to severe medical complications requiring emergency treatment and prolonged recovery.
Always Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
While general guidelines exist, it is important to emphasize that the specific instructions provided by your oral surgeon or anesthesiologist are paramount. These instructions are tailored to your individual health status, the type of anesthesia being used, and the specifics of your procedure. If you accidentally consume food or drink within the restricted period, it is important to immediately inform your medical team. They will assess the situation and determine the safest course of action, which may involve adjusting the procedure time or other measures.