In the world of oral surgery, we talk a lot about medications. Typically, these involve those medications to relieve anxiety or stress in the case of sedation dentistry, pain relieving medications both during and after an oral surgery procedure, or, in some cases, antibiotics when properly warranted. However, daily medications, though not as commonly discussed, are also incredibly important when it comes to your health and safety, particularly during a surgical procedure in the dental office.
One particular medication that has been in the news of late are GLP-1 drugs, often used for type two diabetes and, in some cases, weight loss. In fact, 1 in 8 American adults were using GLP-1 mediations as of a 2024 Clinical Practice Guidance report released by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.1 These medications often include the likes of Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, and more.1 As with any prescription based medications, there is a concern of potential interactions with anesthesia medications used during oral surgery as well as effects on the body that could cause negative outcomes for the patient as a result of anesthesia. What then, is the current best practice for elective surgical procedures?
The answer, and previous guidance, comes from the mechanism by which these drugs work: GLP-1 medications delay stomach emptying, thus leading to potential negative side effects including nausea, vomiting, etc.1. Prior to surgery, it is recommended you come into the office on an empty stomach, typically not eating or drinking at least 8 hours prior to surgery to ensure this is the case. The delay of emptying of the stomach can increase the risk of vomiting and airway obstruction, thus leading to significant negative outcomes.
More recent guidance provided by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, however, indicates that it may not be entirely appropriate in all cases to withhold GLP-1 medications. GLP-1 drugs carry with them immense benefits for the patients that are taking them. In many cases, they can be life changing, either by allowing for increased control of Type-2 dabetes increasing overall health and wellness, or aiding in weight loss thus leading to secondary benefits such as decreasing heart disease or risks of other chronic conditions associated with obesity. Because of these benefits, it may be possible to simply move the patient to a liquid only diet 24 hours prior to surgery, taking additional precautions prior to the procedure.
Though these recommendations have been made in general by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, it is important to note that they also stress the need to balance risks of stomach emptying delay with the risks of removing the patient from their medication, particularly when it comes to in office sedation options like those offered at Synergy. Patients who are seen as “higher risk” individuals for delayed stomach emptying, such as those who are early in their GLP-1 treatment plan, patient with active GI symptoms, patients on a higher dose of GLP-1 drugs, and patients with other co-morbidities should be advised to follow a liquid diet at least 24 hours prior to surgery to minimize risk factors. Furthermore, if the decision to stop medications prior to surgery is made, then current literature recommends following original recommendations from the ASA: not taking those medications that are injected daily the day of surgery, and not taking those medications which are taken weekly for 1 week prior to surgery, essentially missing one dose in each case to allow for adequate emptying of the stomach.2
Ultimately, each patient, and each case, is different. If you are considering an oral surgery procedure, you should discuss your medication use and full medical history with your oral surgeon to determine your risk factors and proper treatment plan. Our team is happy to answer any question you might have prior to your procedure to keep you safe and give you the best outcome possible.
Contact us today to book your appointment and get our smile, and health, on the right track!
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. Most patients can continue diabetes, weight loss GLP-1 drugs before surgery, those at highest risk should follow liquid diet before procedure. News release. October 29, 2024. Accessed May 10, 2026. American Society of Anesthesiologists News Release
- McKenzie C, Glick M, Yagiela JA. Implications of GLP-1 agonists on office-based sedation and anesthesia for dentistry. Anesth Prog. 2025;72(1):34-41. doi:10.2344/anpr-72-01-05.
FAQ’s About GLP-1 Medications and Dental Procedures
1. What are GLP-1 medications and why are they important in dentistry?
GLP-1 medications are commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight loss. They are important in dentistry because they can impact how the body responds to anesthesia and may affect patient safety during oral surgery procedures.
2. Why can GLP-1 medications be a concern before oral surgery?
These medications delay stomach emptying, which can increase the risk of nausea, vomiting, and even airway obstruction during anesthesia if proper precautions are not taken prior to surgery.
3. Do patients need to stop taking GLP-1 medications before surgery?
Not necessarily in all cases. More recent guidance suggests that some patients may continue their medication, while others may need to pause it depending on their individual risk factors and overall health.
4. What precautions may be recommended instead of stopping GLP-1 medications?
In some cases, patients may be advised to follow a liquid-only diet for at least 24 hours prior to surgery to reduce the risks associated with delayed stomach emptying.
5. Who is considered higher risk when taking GLP-1 medications before surgery?
Higher-risk patients include those early in their treatment plan, those experiencing active gastrointestinal symptoms, those on higher doses, and those with additional medical conditions that may increase complications.
