Should I Cancel My Oral Surgery If I’m Sick?

When you have an oral surgery appointment on the calendar—especially something you’ve waited weeks or even months for—feeling under the weather can raise questions. Should you power through your procedure with a mild cold, or is it better to reschedule? At Torrance Oral Surgery Center, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and optimal healing. If you’re feeling sick before your scheduled procedure, here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your health and recovery.

When Illness Interferes With Surgery: What to Consider

Getting sick before surgery is more common than you might think. A runny nose, sore throat, or even mild fever can suddenly throw a wrench in your plans. Whether you’re scheduled for wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, or an All-on-4 restoration, it’s important to consider how your illness could impact your surgical experience.

From anesthesia tolerance to post-op recovery, your overall condition plays a major role in how your body handles the procedure. In general, if you’re experiencing symptoms that involve your lungs, sinuses, or throat, it’s worth consulting with your oral surgeon before proceeding.

Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID-19: Why It Matters

Not all sickness is created equal. A common cold may be manageable, especially if symptoms are limited to nasal congestion. However, more serious illnesses like the flu or COVID-19 can significantly complicate surgery—especially when general anesthesia or IV sedation is involved.

• Cold: If you have minor congestion without fever or cough, you may be able to move forward, depending on your comfort and how you’re breathing.
• Flu: Symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing, and fatigue are red flags. Surgery should typically be postponed until full recovery.
• COVID-19: If you’ve tested positive or have been exposed, you must delay your procedure to avoid spreading infection and to protect your immune system during healing.

According to the CDC, even mild upper respiratory infections can increase the risk of anesthesia-related complications. Patients with symptoms like a persistent cough or chest congestion may experience airway irritation during sedation.

How Being Sick Affects Healing

One of the main reasons to delay surgery while sick is to give your body the best chance to heal properly. Oral surgery already places a demand on your immune system. If that system is already fighting off an illness, it may slow your recovery or even increase the risk of complications like infection, dry socket, or delayed tissue healing.

Your oral health and overall immunity are closely linked. In fact, studies show that systemic inflammation—even from a virus—can negatively affect wound healing and pain management outcomes.

So, even if you’re toughing it out with a sore throat or cough, your healing timeline may be longer, and discomfort could be heightened.

Safety Concerns for Our Torrance Patients

At Torrance Oral Surgery Center, your safety is always our top priority. Our state-of-the-art facility follows strict sterilization and infection control protocols, and our surgical team is trained to monitor and manage patient health before, during, and after surgery.

If you arrive at your appointment visibly sick or report concerning symptoms, your procedure may be postponed out of precaution. While it can be disappointing to delay treatment, protecting your long-term health is always worth it.

For procedures involving IV sedation or general anesthesia, illness can complicate airway management, oxygen flow, and cardiovascular stability. Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian, DDS, MD—a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon—uses advanced monitoring technology and anesthetic safety measures, but patient health is still the foundation of a smooth procedure.

What If It’s Allergies or Sinus Pressure?

Sometimes symptoms mimic illness, but they’re actually due to allergies or chronic sinus issues. If you’re unsure whether you’re sick or experiencing seasonal allergies, consider these differences:

• Allergies: No fever, often itchy eyes, sneezing, and clear mucus
• Cold: Mild fatigue, runny nose, possible sore throat, usually short-lived
• Sinus Infection: Facial pressure, thick mucus, postnasal drip, possibly fever

Let us know about your symptoms and any history of allergies. Depending on what’s going on, you may still be cleared for surgery—or advised to wait a few days until symptoms improve.

Communicate Early: Our Recommendation

If you’re feeling under the weather—even slightly—call our office in Torrance as soon as possible. We’ll help you determine whether it’s safe to move forward or if rescheduling is the better option. The earlier you let us know, the easier it is to adjust your treatment plan without disrupting your care.

Waiting until the day of surgery to cancel due to illness can sometimes result in rescheduling delays. We understand that health changes can happen quickly, but early communication helps us help you.

Your Surgical Success Depends on Your Wellness

We know how important your smile, bite, and long-term oral health are. That’s why timing your oral surgery for when you’re feeling strong can make all the difference. Going into surgery while sick puts unnecessary strain on your body and may compromise your recovery.

It’s always better to take a short delay now than to face complications later.

Feel Better, Heal Better – Let’s Plan Together

At Torrance Oral Surgery Center, we’re here to guide you through every step of your surgical journey. Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian and our experienced team understand that life—and health—can be unpredictable. If you’re sick before surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll help you make the right call based on your condition and procedure type.

Postponing may feel inconvenient, but your body will thank you when you’re able to heal efficiently and comfortably. Trust our team to keep your health—and your future smile—on the right track.