Procedure prep
Fasting Before Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal can be done under local anesthetic alone, with sedation, or under a general anesthetic — and whether you fast depends entirely on which one you're having. Here's how to know.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — for simple extractions these are often continued with local measures to stop bleeding, but always confirm. See medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — if you're fasting for sedation or GA, they need adjusting. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — take as normal unless told otherwise; bring your list.
- Tell your dentist or surgeon about any bisphosphonate (bone) medicines, as they affect jaw healing.
When this surgery may be delayed
- An active gum or tooth infection with swelling — this may need antibiotics first
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection (if you're having sedation or GA)
- You fasted incorrectly for a planned sedation or general anesthetic
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- Feeling generally unwell on the day
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or clinic paperwork
- A current list of all your medicines, doses, and allergies
- Your dental X-rays or referral letter if you have them
- Soft foods and painkillers ready at home for afterward
- A ride home and an escort if you're having sedation or a general anesthetic
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will this be under local anesthetic, sedation, or a general — and do I need to fast?
- Should I keep taking my blood thinners?
- How many teeth are coming out, and how long will it take?
- What can I eat afterward, and how do I avoid a dry socket?
- Will I be able to drive, or do I need someone with me?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before having my wisdom teeth out?
Only if you're having sedation or a general anesthetic — then you fast like any other operation. If it's done under local anesthetic alone (just numbing injections), you usually don't need to fast and a light meal beforehand is fine, since you'll be numb but fully awake. Check which applies to you.
Can I take my blood thinners before a tooth extraction?
For routine wisdom-teeth removal, blood thinners are often continued because dentists can control bleeding locally with stitches and gauze, and stopping them carries its own risk. But this varies with how many teeth and your specific medicine, so always confirm with the dentist or surgeon first.
How do I avoid a dry socket afterward?
A dry socket happens when the healing blood clot is lost. To protect it, avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, sucking through straws and smoking for the first few days, and follow the aftercare instructions you're given. If you get severe pain a few days later, contact the clinic.