How to Prepare Your Body for Major Dental Surgery:
A Wellness Guide
(Part 3)
Keep Other Health Conditions Stable Before Surgery
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders all need to be disclosed to the dental team before surgical dental treatment. Managing these conditions carefully reduces procedural risk and supports healing afterward.
Patients whose blood sugar and blood pressure are well-controlled before oral surgery generally experience fewer problems with bleeding and infection. (To be continued)
Medications and Supplements: What to Tell Your Dental Team
Not all medications and supplements are safe to continue taking in the days surrounding dental surgery. Some increase bleeding risk, while others can interfere with anesthesia or slow the healing process. Sharing a complete list of all daily medications and supplements with the dentist or oral surgeon is an essential step in pre-surgical planning.
* Blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel can make bleeding harder to control during surgery.
* Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen may impact healing if overused around the time of surgery.
* Herbal supplements including ginkgo, ginseng, or high-dose vitamin E can interfere with normal clotting. Fish oil and garlic capsules may also increase bleeding risk when taken in large amounts.
The dental team may recommend adjusting certain medications in the days before or after surgery. Any changes should always be discussed with the patient’s primary care physician first, especially when other conditions are being treated.
Healthy Habits and Lifestyle Changes Before Dental SurgeryA few targeted lifestyle adjustments before a dental procedure can significantly improve recovery outcomes. The following habits are worth focusing on:
Quitting smoking. Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of infection and implant failure. Even stopping for a few weeks before and after surgery can help the body heal more effectively.
Reducing alcohol intake. Alcohol can thin the blood and reduce the body’s ability to heal. Limiting consumption in the lead-up to and following surgery allows the immune system to focus on tissue repair.
Managing stress. Stress suppresses the body’s natural defenses and can contribute to a slower recovery. Meditation, light physical activity, or time with supportive people can all help lower stress levels in the days before a procedure.
These steps, even when followed temporarily, genuinely help the body recover more efficiently after major oral surgery. (To be continued)