Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Every medication you take has an effect on your body, and those effects can influence oral surgery. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, and even common supplements may change the way anesthesia works, increase bleeding risk, or slow healing. This is why your oral surgeon asks for a complete list of everything you take. It ensures your procedure is safe and your recovery is as smooth as possible.
Legacy Surgery offers wisdom tooth removal in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Medications, supplements, and underlying health conditions can affect anesthesia, bleeding, and healing during oral surgery. Sharing your full health history with Dr. Kesecker ensures a safer procedure and smoother recovery.
Every Medication Affects Your Body Differently
Even if a medication or supplement seems unrelated to your oral health, it can affect how your body responds to surgery. Some medications change the way blood clots, others interfere with healing, and many can interact with anesthesia. Your oral surgeon needs to see the whole picture to plan safely.
How Medications Affect Anesthesia
Anesthesia is carefully tailored to each patient. Blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and even certain herbal supplements can interact with sedatives. If your surgeon doesn’t know about them, you could face risks like unstable blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, or an ineffective anesthetic.
Medications That Increase Bleeding Risk
Some prescription drugs and even common vitamins and supplements increase bleeding. For example:
- Blood thinners: Medications like warfarin or aspirin reduce clotting ability.
- Vitamins and supplements that increase bleeding: Vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and garlic supplements may thin your blood and prolong bleeding.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen or naproxen can also slow clot formation.
If your oral surgeon knows about these in advance, they can adjust your surgical plan to minimize risks.
Healing and Recovery Complications
Certain medications slow healing, which can raise the risk of infection or delayed recovery. Steroids, chemotherapy drugs, and medications for autoimmune conditions can suppress the immune system. In addition, health conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes can interfere with wound repair and make recovery more difficult.
Medical Clearance for Dental Treatment
In some cases, Dr. Kesecker may request medical clearance from your physician before oral surgery. This step is common for patients with certain health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or those taking blood thinners.
Medical clearance ensures your overall health is stable enough for surgery and that your medical team is aligned on your care. While it may add an extra step to the process, it is an important safeguard to protect your health and support a smooth recovery.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation
At Legacy Surgery, your safety is always the priority. Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS carefully reviews your full health and medication history to plan anesthesia safely, manage bleeding risks, and support proper healing. By being open about every medication and supplement you take, you help him provide the safest care and the best surgical outcome.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110-C Mactanly Pl., Staunton, VA 24401.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
FAQs
Will they cancel surgery if I took ibuprofen?
If you took ibuprofen before surgery, let your oral surgeon know. Ibuprofen can increase bleeding, so your surgeon may need to adjust your plan. In some cases, surgery may be delayed to reduce risk, but often it can proceed safely with the right precautions.
What should I avoid 24 hours before surgery?
Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, alcohol, and vitamins or supplements that increase bleeding. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything if your surgeon has instructed you to fast before anesthesia. Following these steps protects your safety and helps the procedure go smoothly.
Where can I find an oral surgeon near me?
Legacy Surgery provides comprehensive oral surgery care in two locations. Visit us in Harrisonburg at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, VA 22801, or in Staunton at 110 Mactanly Pl C, VA 24401. Call us to schedule your consultation and receive expert care tailored to your needs.