What Did You Have To Take Before Your Oral Surgery?

That mouthwash was the worst part for me - tasted like gym socks soaked in mint. My dentist skipped antibiotics too, just told me to show up hungry and grumpy. Did anyone else get that weird “no water after midnight” rule? Felt like I was prepping for a rocket launch, not a tooth yank.

That “no water after midnight” thing is actually standard for a lot of procedures involving sedation or general anesthesia. It’s to reduce the risk of aspiration - basically, if there’s anything in your stomach, you could inhale it while under. I get why it feels overkill for just a tooth extraction, but if they’re using IV sedation, it’s pretty necessary. As for the mouthwash, I’ve had to use chlorhexidine before and yeah, it’s got a weird aftertaste... not quite gym socks, but definitely not pleasant. I’ve noticed some dentists skip antibiotics unless there’s a specific infection risk, which is probably a good move to avoid resistance.

My kiddo had to follow that “no food or water after midnight” rule too before getting a baby tooth pulled with IV sedation. I remember worrying she’d wake up thirsty and cranky, but honestly, she was more curious about the “sleepy medicine.” The mouthwash was a struggle - she called it “spicy water” and made the best faces. No antibiotics for her either, which I was relieved about since she’s had tummy trouble from them before. It all felt like a lot for one little tooth, but I get why they’re so cautious.

No antibiotics for her either, which I was relieved about since she’s had tummy trouble from them before. It all felt like a lot for one little tooth, but I get why they’re so cautious.

That “spicy water” comment cracked me up - mouthwash is a tough sell for kids (and honestly, some adults). The fasting rule always feels intense, but it really does lower the risk of aspiration with IV sedation. I’ve seen a lot of parents worry about the no-antibiotics thing, but unless there’s a specific infection risk, it’s usually better to skip them. Antibiotic tummy troubles are no joke. Kids bounce back fast, but it’s wild how much prep goes into even a “simple” extraction.

I get why skipping antibiotics is the go-to, but honestly, I almost wish they’d offered them for my wisdom teeth. I was so freaked out about infection, even though my dentist said it wasn’t necessary. Maybe it’s just my anxiety talking, but a part of me would’ve felt safer with that extra precaution, even if it meant risking some stomach upset. I know overprescribing is a thing, but when you’re the patient, it’s hard not to want every backup possible.

I totally get that urge for extra backup - an infection after wisdom teeth removal sounds terrifying. Did your dentist mention if you had any risk factors? Sometimes they only give antibiotics if you’ve got a specific reason, like a heart condition or immune issues. I remember stressing about dry socket way more than infection, honestly... but I still kept checking my mouth every hour.

I get where you're coming from, but our dentist actually recommended antibiotics for my kid even though there weren’t any obvious risk factors. He said sometimes kids just have a tougher time keeping the area clean, so it’s more precaution than anything. Dry socket was a big worry for us too, but honestly, the infection talk made me more anxious. We followed the rinse schedule to the letter... probably went overboard, but hey, better safe than sorry.

I totally get the anxiety about infection - same here, honestly. Before my wisdom teeth came out, my oral surgeon gave me a prescription for antibiotics too, even though my mouth looked fine. He said it was kinda standard for “just in case” situations, especially if you’re not great at keeping things super clean after. I was all paranoid about dry socket and followed the no-straw rule like it was gospel. Still ended up Googling every little twinge for a week... probably overthinking, but hey, better safe than sorry, right?