A practical guide to help you prepare for dental surgery — what to do before your appointment, what to bring, and how to set yourself up for a smooth recovery.
Good preparation makes your surgery safer and your recovery smoother. In the days leading up to your appointment:
Tell us about any changes to your health or medications — if you have started or stopped any medications since your last visit, please contact the practice before your appointment
Blood-thinning medications — if you take aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, dipyridamole, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, or any other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, do not stop taking them without guidance from your dentist or doctor. Stopping these medications without advice can be dangerous. Your dentist will advise you on how to manage your medications safely.
Bisphosphonates or denosumab — if you take or have taken medications for osteoporosis (such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, zoledronic acid, or denosumab/Prolia), inform your dentist. These can affect jawbone healing after surgery and increase the risk of a condition called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
Eating before your appointment — if you are having IV or oral sedation, follow the specific fasting instructions your practice has given you (typically no food for 6 hours and clear fluids only up to 2 hours before). If you are not having sedation, eat a light meal before your appointment — having something in your stomach reduces the risk of feeling faint.
Avoid alcohol — for at least 24 hours before surgery
If you are having sedation
If you are having IV or oral sedation, these instructions are essential for your safety. Your practice will give you written instructions — follow these exactly:
Do not eat anything for at least 6 hours before your appointment
Clear fluids: For IV sedation, small amounts of plain water or clear non-fizzy, non-alcoholic fluids may usually be taken up to 2 hours before. Your practice will confirm this. Do not drink anything in the 2 hours immediately before if unsure.
Arrange a responsible adult to accompany you, take you home, and stay with you for the rest of the day. You cannot take a taxi or public transport alone.
You must not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation
Do not drink alcohol the night before or on the day of your appointment
What to bring and wear
A list of all medications you are currently taking
Any documents or forms the practice has sent you in advance
Wear loose, comfortable clothing — avoid tight sleeves if you are having sedation (IV access required)
Remove nail varnish from at least one finger if having sedation (for pulse oximeter monitoring)
Leave jewellery at home — particularly facial piercings
Arrange childcare or pet care so you can rest properly afterwards
Preparing your home for recovery
Before your appointment, set up for a comfortable recovery:
Stock up on soft foods — soups, yoghurt, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, smoothies (no straws)
Have over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen and paracetamol) ready at home
Prepare clean gauze pads or clean cotton cloths for biting on if needed
Prepare a comfortable place to rest with your head slightly elevated
If you were prescribed antibiotics or other medications before surgery, check you have these ready
If you smoke, plan to stop — at least for the 48–72 hours following surgery, and ideally longer
Questions to ask before your surgery
Are there any specific fasting or medication instructions for my procedure?
Will I need someone to drive me home?
How long should I plan to rest before returning to work or physical activity?
Will I be given a prescription for antibiotics or painkillers to take afterwards?
What are the specific warning signs I should watch for after my procedure?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
Warning signs to watch for after surgery
After any dental surgery, contact the practice or seek urgent care if you experience:
Heavy bleeding that does not stop with 30 minutes of firm pressure
Swelling that is increasing after 48 hours rather than reducing, or spreading to your neck or eye
Severe pain not controlled by prescribed or recommended painkillers
High temperature (above 38°C)
Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing
Numbness that has not resolved more than 8–12 hours after your procedure
For out-of-hours dental emergencies, call NHS 111. For breathing difficulties, spreading swelling, or high fever, call 999 or go directly to A&E.
When to Seek Urgent Help
If you develop heavy bleeding, severe swelling spreading to the neck or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever after dental surgery, go to A&E immediately or call 999.
References
Aligned with guidance from: SDCEP, FGDP(UK), Faculty of Dental Surgery RCS.