When can i eat regular food after wisdom teeth removal

It is no secret that wisdom tooth removal is common and often necessary. But you may wonder how long it will take to return to your regular diet after surgery. The good news is that most people can resume their regular eating habits pretty quickly. However, it's important to carefully follow the advice of downtown Seattle dentist Dr. Hal Kussick to avoid any complications.

Tooth extractions are among the most significant advances in modern dentistry. Read on for more information about post-operative care and what you can eat after oral surgery at [email protected] General and Aesthetic Dentistry.

Why do I need wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom tooth removal may be necessary if you experience discomfort or pain when the teeth at the back of your mouth erupt. That's because your other teeth are pushing against them or forcing them out of alignment. Wisdom teeth should be extracted before they lead to serious problems.

While some patients do not need their wisdom teeth removed, others may suffer from severe pain or other complications. A downtown Seattle dentist, like Dr. Hal Kussick, can examine the area, take x-rays, and make recommendations for treatment. Tooth extraction may be the best choice to alleviate existing issues.

What is recovery like after wisdom tooth removal?

Recovery from wisdom tooth removal varies based on whether you have a simple extraction (removing a tooth from above the gumline) or a surgical extraction (removing a tooth from below the gumline). However, the recovery process is generally the same for both types of procedures. You may feel some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the treatment area, but these side effects can be alleviated with pain relievers. We may also recommend a warm saltwater rinse to help speed up healing.

What should I eat after a tooth extraction?

[email protected] General and Aesthetic Dentistry will provide a set of guidelines and detailed instructions about what to eat after oral surgery. Patients should follow our advice to protect the healing area and prevent complications that will only extend their time in recovery.

Here are some ideas about what's safe to eat after wisdom tooth removal:

  • Soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow

  • Foods with smooth and moist textures (e.g., applesauce)

  • Soups and broths (e.g., chicken broth)

  • Yogurt and pudding

  • Jell-O

  • Ice pops

Patients can gradually move into solid foods after a few weeks. However, try not to switch to regular meals too soon after tooth extraction because you could damage the surgical site or get an infection.

What shouldn't I eat after wisdom tooth removal?

Until you meet with Dr. Kussick for a follow-up appointment, there are several kinds of foods that should be avoided after oral surgery. Here's a list of what to avoid:

  • Raw fruits and vegetables

  • Hard and crunchy foods (e.g., apples, pretzels)

  • Chewy and sticky foods (e.g., taffy, caramels)

  • Spicy or acidic foods (e.g., peppers)

  • Foods that contain seeds or nuts (e.g., strawberries, trail mix)

  • Any foods that can get stuck in the surgical site and disrupt healing

Have a safe recovery from wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom tooth removal is necessary, but recovery isn't always easy. Fortunately, you can return to your normal diet in just a few weeks. Downtown Seattle dentist Dr. Hal Kussick will provide a list of safe and unsafe foods as well as detailed instructions about post-operative care. Call our office to schedule an appointment at [email protected] General and Aesthetic Dentistry. Our goal is to provide Seattle-area patients with the best care possible.

When can i eat regular food after wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal is the most common oral surgery procedure performed across the U.S., and the same is true for Drs. Jandali and Hur in Naperville. These pesky molars are likely to cause other oral health problems if not dealt with, therefore, many men, women, and teens from the area choose wisdom teeth removal sooner rather than later.

When our oral surgeons sit down with patients during an initial wisdom teeth removal consultation, they review every aspect of the surgery, including the recovery period. While recovery is often overlooked by patients, it is one of the most important aspects of wisdom teeth removal. During your recovery, your diet will be temporarily limited to allow your gums and surrounding tissue to heal properly. No need to worry—it won’t be long before you’ll be visiting your favorite Naperville eatery and back to eating solid foods again.

Diet Restrictions Immediately Following Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many patients believe that a diet full of milkshakes and ice cream is “just what the doctor orders” after wisdom teeth removal. However, while the occasional treat is okay, our oral surgeons recommend that patients eat nourishing foods during their recovery—even immediately after their surgery, so long as they can be eaten with comfort.

Be careful to avoid any foods that are extremely hot, crunchy, or spicy as these can irritate the surgical sites and cause discomfort. Instead, consider foods that are soft or liquid for the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal. Remember, in order to avoid dry socket, do not drink any liquids through a straw, as this could dislodge the needed blood clots from the empty sockets in your jaw.

Within about a week, you may gradually increase your intake of solid foods. Again, only eat what feels comfortable, and stop eating and make changes if you begin to experience any discomfort or pain.

No matter the stage of recovery you’re in, it’s important that you not skip any meals. Eating on a regular schedule improves the recovery period as patients feel better, gain strength faster, and have less discomfort when nourishment is taken in. Foods that are high in nutritional value such as soups, puddings, yogurt, eggs, applesauce, or flaky fish are recommended.

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Oral and Facial Surgery of Naperville recommends that wisdom teeth removal patients plan ahead and prepare their pantry and fridge with the right types of foods before they come in for their surgery. This will ensure you have what you need available and easily accessible while you recover at home. Remember, keep the nutritional value high and balance your intake of protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats and carbs so your recovery period will go smoothly.

Call Our Naperville Office with any Questions

If you find you have questions or concerns about the wisdom teeth removal process, or the recovery period afterward, please do not hesitate to call Oral and Facial Surgery of Naperville. Our entire staff values your safety and wellbeing, and if you are concerned, we want to know. You can reach a member of our team in Naperville by calling (630) 961-5151 today.

How long after wisdom teeth can I eat normally?

Ultimately, every patient can take a different amount of time to heal fully, and we encourage you to slowly introduce foods based on your comfort level. Most sockets take about 6 weeks to heal fully following dental surgery, and you should be back to mostly normal eating habits within 3-4 weeks post-procedure.

What can I eat 7 days after wisdom teeth removal?

You should eat only soft foods for the first week: for example, soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf are fine. For 2 weeks (8 weeks if you had lower wisdom teeth extracted), do not eat hard, crunchy, or very chewy foods, such as European breads, pizza crust, steak or jerky, nuts, or popcorn.

What happens if you eat solid food after wisdom teeth removal?

This is why we don't recommend that you eat solid foods after oral surgery. Not only does it increase your risk of developing an infection if food particles get stuck in the surgery site, but it also can be difficult to even eat at all.