Before surgery
Getting ready, without the guesswork
A little preparation makes surgery day calmer and recovery smoother. This is the general plan; the written instructions from your surgeon come first.
Your countdown
From a week out to the morning of
- Step 1
A week before
- Fill any prescriptions we gave you.
- Ask about pausing supplements like fish oil or vitamin E.
- Arrange an adult to drive you and stay with you.
- Stop smoking and vaping if you can; it helps healing.
- Step 2
The day before
- Stock soft foods: yogurt, soup, smoothies, eggs.
- Get ice packs or frozen peas ready.
- Confirm your arrival time and your escort.
- Tell us about any cold, fever or new medication.
- Step 3
The night before
- For sedation: nothing to eat for at least 8 hours before.
- Clear liquids are fine until 2 hours before, unless told otherwise.
- Lay out loose clothes and set your alarm.
- Get a good night’s sleep if you can.
- Step 4
The morning of
- Take approved medications with a sip of water.
- Brush your teeth gently; don’t swallow the water.
- No makeup, nail polish or contact lenses.
- Arrive with your escort, ID and insurance cards.
Medications
What to take, and what to ask about
Never stop a prescribed medication on your own. Your surgeon will coordinate with your physician when it matters.
- 01
Blood thinners
Most people keep taking them. Your surgeon decides with your physician whether to adjust anything, and tells you in writing.
- 02
Diabetes medications
Fasting changes what you need. You’ll get a plan for your dose and when to check your blood sugar.
- 03
GLP-1 medications
Weekly injections such as semaglutide slow digestion and may need to be paused before sedation. Tell us early.
- 04
Heart, blood pressure and inhalers
Usually taken as normal with a sip of water. Bring your inhaler with you.
- 05
Supplements
Fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo and garlic can increase bleeding. Ask whether to pause them a week ahead.
- 06
Prescriptions from us
Fill them before surgery day so they’re waiting at home when you get back.
Surgery day
What to wear and bring
- Loose, comfortable clothes with short sleeves or sleeves that roll up easily
- Flat, closed shoes
- No makeup, lipstick or nail polish; leave jewelry at home
- Glasses instead of contact lenses
- Photo ID and your insurance cards
- Your escort’s name and mobile number
Stock your kitchen
Cool, soft foods make the first few days easier. See what to eat and how to look after yourself once you’re home.
After surgeryQuestions before surgery? Call your office, or the 24/7 line after hours.
Will I be asleep during surgery?
That depends on the procedure and on what you prefer. With IV sedation, the most common choice, you are deeply relaxed and most people remember little or nothing, though you keep breathing on your own. General anesthesia, where you are fully asleep, is available for longer or more complex procedures at offices with a dedicated dentist anesthesiologist or CRNA. Local anesthetic, with or without nitrous oxide, lets you stay awake and comfortable. Your surgeon will help you choose at your consultation.
I'm very nervous about oral surgery. What can help?
You're far from alone, and it's worth telling us. Your surgeon will explain exactly what will happen at your consultation, so nothing is a surprise. Many anxious patients choose IV sedation, and general anesthesia is available for longer cases. On the day, the team talks you through each step, and you can ask to pause at any time. Most patients tell us afterward that it was much easier than they expected.
Can I drive after surgery?
Not after IV sedation or general anesthesia. You need an adult escort who stays at the office, drives you home and stays with you for the rest of the day, and you shouldn't drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours. After local anesthetic alone, or with nitrous oxide, most adults can drive themselves home.
How is my safety monitored during anesthesia?
Throughout sedation or general anesthesia, you are monitored continuously with ECG for heart rhythm, pulse oximetry for oxygen and capnography for breathing, with regular blood pressure checks and supplemental oxygen. Every Molly office is AAAHC-accredited and equipped for emergencies, and our surgeons hold California anesthesia permits. Longer cases have a dedicated dentist anesthesiologist or CRNA whose only job is your anesthesia.
Questions before surgery day?
Call your office during business hours and your surgical team will help. Not booked yet? Start with a consultation.