Will you be having your wisdom teeth removed in the near future? You may be wondering what to expect after the procedure and how soon you can eat solid foods again. Whether you need to have all four of your wisdom teeth extracted or just one wisdom tooth, following your oral surgeon's advice for proper healing is crucial. This blog post discusses the timeline for eating solid foods after wisdom teeth removal and offers some tips for a safe and successful recovery.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
After wisdom teeth removal surgery, it is normal to experience discomfort for a few days, and your mouth will also likely feel swollen and tender. You should plan to rest during this time, and avoid strenuous activity for the first week post-operatively. Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions on caring for your mouth and what to do if you experience any complications. Follow these instructions closely to help ensure a quicker and safe recovery.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Whether having all four of your wisdom teeth extracted or just one wisdom tooth, consume soft cold foods that first night after the procedure so as to not disturb any blood clots that have only recently formed. Some foods you can enjoy that night without straws include:
- Smoothies and milkshakes
- Ice cream and sorbet
- Jell-O and pudding
- Cottage cheese and other soft dairy products
Starting the day after surgery, it is generally okay to consume warmer soft foods including:
- Soups and broths
- Scrambled eggs or omelets
- Fish or shredded chicken
- Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables
- Cooked grains, like oatmeal or quinoa
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Removal
While eating is essential in the days following wisdom tooth removal surgery, be cautious about advancing your diet too quickly. Eating the wrong things could cause pain, slow down healing, or lead to infection. Foods you should avoid following wisdom tooth removal include:
- Hard, crunchy foods, such as nuts, popcorn, and chips
- Chewy, sticky foods that could get stuck in the surgical site, like candy or caramel
- Spicy foods that irritate the surgical site, like hot sauce or curry
- Acidic foods that irritate the gums, such as citrus fruits or tomato sauce
Your oral surgeon will advise you when it is okay to resume eating these items.
When You Can Eat Solid Foods After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After wisdom tooth removal, the timeline for reintroducing solid foods that require more chewing varies from person to person, but typically patients begin incorporating these foods back into their diets about five to seven days after surgery. If you experience any pain while eating, take a break and go back to softer foods for a bit longer. Listen to your body, and follow your oral surgeon's instructions for the best outcome.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in Manchester, NH
If you need your wisdom teeth removed in Manchester, NH, all of us at Manchester Oral Surgery can help. With years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Abel will make your wisdom tooth removal procedure as easy and painless as possible. Contact us today by calling 603-622-9441.
Contact us immediately with any post-operative emergencies.