GLP-1 Medications and Oral Surgery: What Patients Need to Know Before Sedation

At Jay Platt, DDS Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, patient safety is always a top priority. If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and are preparing for oral surgery, it is important to let your surgical team know before your procedure.

GLP-1 medications work by helping control blood sugar and appetite. One of the ways they do this is by slowing down how quickly the stomach empties food.1 This can help people feel full longer, but it can also create concerns during procedures that involve IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Before oral surgery, patients are usually told not to eat or drink for a certain amount of time. This allows the stomach to empty, reducing the risks of complications when the patient is placed under anesthesia for their procedure. However, emerging evidence and clinical guideance suggests that patients taking GLP-1 medications may still have food remaining in their stomach even after following fasting instructions.^1,2

This matters because during sedation or anesthesia, the body’s normal protective reflexes may slow down. If food or liquid comes back up from the stomach, there is a risk it could cause aspiration where stomach contents may back up and enter the lungs. Although it is rare, it can become a serious medical emergency.^1,2,3

These concerns are especially important for patients having procedures such as: • Wisdom tooth removal • Dental implant surgery • Full arch dental implant procedures • Bone grafting • Multiple tooth extractions • Sedation dentistry procedures

Because of this, oral surgeons and anesthesia providers are now paying closer attention to GLP-1 medications during surgical planning.

Recommendations about these medications have continued to change as doctors learn more. Earlier guidance suggested that some patients stop taking GLP-1 medications before surgery. More recent recommendations suggest that many patients may safely continue their medication depending on their health, symptoms, dosage, and the type of procedure being performed.^1,4,5

Every patient is different. Some patients may have a higher risk of complications, especially if they: • Recently increased their medication dose • Have nausea or vomiting • Experience bloating or stomach discomfort • Take higher weekly doses • Have digestive problems

Because of this, patients should never stop or change their medication without first speaking with their doctor and surgical team.

Before your oral surgery appointment, make sure you tell the office about all medications you are taking. You should also let your surgeon know if you have any stomach symptoms such as nausea, bloating, reflux, or vomiting. Following all instructions carefully before surgery is one of the best ways to help keep your procedure safe and successful.

At Jay Platt, DDS Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, careful planning and patient education are an important part of every procedure. As more patients use GLP-1 medications, communication between patients, physicians, and oral surgeons becomes even more important.

References

1. American Society of Anesthesiologists. Most Patients Can Continue Diabetes, Weight Loss GLP-1 Drugs Before Surgery, New Multi-Society Clinical Practice Guidance Says. Published October 29, 2024. Accessed May 24, 2026. https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2024/10/new-multi-society-glp-1-guidance
2. Beam WB, Hunter K, et al. Are Serious Anesthesia Risks of Semaglutide and Other GLP-1 Agonists Under-Recognized? Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. Published 2024. Accessed May 24, 2026.
3. Cleveland Clinic. Aspiration Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Updated December 6, 2024. Accessed May 31, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21954-aspiration-pneumonia
4. Oprea AD, et al. Perioperative Management of Patients Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. ASA Monitor. 2025.
5. Chokshi SN, Hou N, Ford MC, et al. Optimal Timing for Cessation of GLP-1 Agonist Before Elective Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 10-14, 2025; San Diego, CA.