The "Before" Prep List: 10 Things to Do 24 Hours Before Your Surgery

1. The "Before" Prep List: 10 Things to Do 24 Hours Before Your Surgery Preparing for wisdom tooth surgery can feel a little daunting, especially if it’s your first time having a procedure under anaesthesia. The day before your appointment plays a big role in how smoothly your surgery and recovery will go. From what to eat to how to prepare your space at home, thoughtful planning helps reduce anxiety and sets you up for a more comfortable experience. Below are ten practical things you can do within the 24 hours before your surgery to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. 1. Confirm Your Appointment and Transport Double-check your appointment time, arrival instructions, and payment details with the clinic. If you’ll be sedated or have general anaesthesia, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first few hours afterward. 2. Review Pre-Surgery Instructions

2. Your dentist or surgeon will provide specific pre-operative guidelines. These may include when to stop eating or drinking, what medications to avoid, and how to prepare for anaesthesia. Follow these instructions carefully —they’re designed to ensure your safety during the procedure. 3. Eat Light and Stay Hydrated If your dentist allows food before the fasting period begins, stick to balanced, light meals. Avoid heavy, fatty, or spicy foods that could upset your stomach. Staying hydrated the day before surgery can help your body cope better with anaesthetic and aid recovery. 4. Plan Your Recovery Space Prepare a comfortable area at home where you can rest afterward. Keep essentials like extra pillows, tissues, lip balm, a water bottle, and your medications within reach. Setting up ahead of time means you won’t need to move around much once you get home. 5. Stock Up on Soft Foods Soups, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies will be your staples in the first few days after surgery. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the surgical site. Many clinics that provide cheap wisdom teeth removal Sydney also share detailed dietary guidelines, so ask for their recovery food list before your procedure. 6. Prepare Ice Packs Swelling is common after wisdom tooth surgery. Freeze a few gel packs or make your own with zip-lock bags and a towel. Applying cold compresses intermittently in the first 24 hours helps reduce discomfort and inflammation. 7. Take Care of Paperwork and Payments Finalise consent forms, insurance details, and payment arrangements before your appointment. Understanding the cost of wisdom tooth extraction Sydney ahead of time eliminates last-minute stress and allows you to focus on your recovery instead of finances. 8. Dress Comfortably

3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves or something that can easily roll up if an IV line is required. Avoid jewellery, makeup, or contact lenses on the day of surgery. Practical clothing choices make the process easier for both you and your dental team. 9. Get Plenty of Rest Sleep helps the body recover and manage stress. Aim for a full night’s rest before your appointment, and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can interfere with both sleep and anaesthetic effectiveness. 10. Keep Calm and Stay Positive Feeling a little nervous is completely normal, but remember that wisdom tooth surgery is one of the most common dental procedures in Australia. Experienced professionals handle these extractions daily, and the recovery process is typically straightforward when post-operative instructions are followed. If you have questions about anaesthesia or the wisdom tooth extraction Sydney price, call your clinic ahead of time for reassurance. A Final Thought A bit of preparation goes a long way. By organising your home, diet, and schedule before surgery, you give yourself the best chance for a smooth experience and faster healing. Keep your dental team’s advice close, stay hydrated, and rest well —you’ll thank yourself later when recovery feels far easier than expected.