PRE-OP GUIDE

What to wear for wisdom teeth surgery

Choosing comfortable, practical clothing can make the day of surgery smoother. The goal is simple: make it easy for the team to care for you safely and help you feel comfortable before and after your procedure.

This page covers what patients are usually advised to wear, what to avoid, and a few small details that can prevent unnecessary day-of friction.

Best clothing choices for the day of surgery

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

Choose clothing that feels easy to sit, rest, and travel in. Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing is usually best for the day of surgery.

  • Loose-fitting shirt or top
  • Comfortable pants, sweats, or similar casual clothing
  • Something you would not mind getting slightly marked

Make arm access easy

If IV sedation is planned, wear short sleeves or something that can be easily rolled up high enough to expose the arms for IV placement and monitoring.

  • Short sleeves are ideal
  • Sleeves should roll up easily if needed
  • Avoid tight sleeves or restrictive layers

A simple rule

Dress for comfort, easy access, and a low-stress trip home. Practical clothing is more helpful than dressing up for the visit.

What to avoid wearing

A few clothing choices can make surgery day less convenient. In general, avoid anything restrictive, delicate, or likely to get in the way of monitoring, IV access, or a comfortable ride home.

  • Avoid very tight sleeves or layered clothing that makes arm access difficult
  • Avoid brand-new or delicate clothing you would worry about getting marked
  • Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or other open-toed footwear
  • Choose stable, closed-toe shoes instead

Comfortable closed-toe shoes are usually the simplest choice for walking safely in and out of the office.

Nails, jewelry, and accessories

Small details matter on surgery day. Nails and jewelry can interfere with monitoring, safety, or comfort.

Nails

  • Do not wear nail polish
  • Do not wear acrylic nails, press-on nails, or fake nails
  • Natural nails without polish are best

Jewelry and piercings

  • Remove oral piercings
  • Remove nasal piercings
  • Remove other unnecessary jewelry and accessories

If you have long hair, tying it back can also help keep things more comfortable and out of the way.

Quick checklist for the morning of surgery

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Short sleeves or sleeves that roll up easily
Closed-toe shoes
No nail polish or fake nails
Oral and nasal piercings removed