The wisdom tooth extraction process might not take as long as you expect, but the recovery time will last for a few weeks. The gumline needs time to recover and heal, plus the openings will take a few weeks to close and stop bleeding.
You’ll need to change your diet for a few weeks after the extraction process is complete. Most of the restrictions in your diet will last for about a week or two, although you might have to avoid some items for up to a month.
The experts at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA have a few pointers you can follow on what to eat after the procedure to ensure the recovery process is a success.
During the first week
Avoid eating anything hard or rough during the first week after the procedure. Stick with soft foods and liquids, and make sure whatever you eat is cold or gentle enough. Avoid foods that might be too hot or otherwise bothersome, as they can irritate the site.
Some of the foods you can eat during the first week include yogurt, pudding, soups, apple sauce, and mashed vegetables.
Avoid anything that might stick in the extraction site. Do not consume any acidic foods either, as they may irritate the area and impair the healing process.
During the second week
You can start adding some slightly soft foods to your diet during the second week. Oatmeal and macaroni are good examples. These foods are easy to consume, but make sure anything hot cools off before eating. Don’t forget to clean the extraction sites after consuming these foods, as you don’t want to risk anything entering these sites. The dental team at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA can provide the necessary cleaning materials for keeping the extraction area safe and clear. We’ll also offer instructions on how to use each item.
Later in the first month
You can move on to more solid foods in the third and fourth weeks after the extraction but aim to chew away from the extraction sites. Continue to avoid foods like nuts or popcorn that might get stuck in the extraction sites. You can also start consuming more acidic foods but keep them at a minimum if possible.
After the first month
You should be ready to get back to your original diet a month after the extraction. You can schedule a follow-up review to see how the area is recovering.
In summary, you will spend about a month recovering from the wisdom tooth extraction process. The wisdom tooth removal effort requires time for recovery, as the extraction site has to close. Be sure your diet after the extraction process is planned well and that you avoid foods that might be risky.
Where can I find out more information about wisdom tooth extractions?
Contact us at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA if you have tooth pain concerns that may relate to your wisdom teeth. We can check your wisdom teeth and see if they need removing. We’ll also guide you through the recovery process after the extraction to ensure the health and safety of your teeth.
Even though we all love smoothies and ice cream, a common question our patients ask is, “When can I eat solid food after wisdom teeth removal?” Well, there are multiple factors at play here. How soon you’ll start eating solid foods mainly depends on the patient’s comfort level and how fast the healing process is progressing.
At Katy Cypress Oral Surgery & Implant Centre, our dentists and oral surgeons typically recommend waiting about a week before you resume eating solid food again after oral surgery. But it all comes down to how well you are following wisdom teeth removal aftercare. Let’s give a full read to learn more about the wisdom teeth removal recovery timeline and much more!
When Can You Eat Solid Foods Depends On How Well You Are Caring For Your Gums After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Caring for your gums after wisdom teeth extraction is crucial for better recovery without complications. As we know, wisdom teeth removal is a surgery performed at a dentist or oral surgeon’s office. Although most teeth can be removed without cutting or incisions, some impacted wisdom teeth require surgery to remove bone and other obstructions while removing large molars. You may also require extensive anesthesia and possibly sedation while undergoing wisdom teeth removal. This will allow you to get done with your procedure without feeling discomfort or pain.
Once your wisdom teeth are removed, your gums will have holes that need to heal. Your oral surgeon will likely fill and cover the extraction site to help keep it clean. Thus, restricting foods and drinks during the initial days of your teeth extraction recovery time. This will help reduce the risk of complications like infections and reduce irritation to the wounds. Therefore, knowing which foods you can eat after wisdom teeth removal is essential. The main idea is to minimize the risk of damage and help the extraction sites to heal faster.
For the first 1-2 days, eat only drinks and soft foods like ice cream, yogurt, and applesauce. Moreover, cold foods like ice cream and smoothies may help you with some of the discomforts. And as you start feeling better, you can try adding more solid foods gradually. On the third day after wisdom tooth extraction, you can add foods like toast, oatmeal, or eggs. You may also want to learn more about “What to eat and what not to eat after wisdom teeth removal?”
You can increase solid foods one by one if chewing doesn’t cause any pain. But if you do feel pain when chewing, it is advisable to go back to soft and semi-soft foods.
Take Away
When can you eat solid food after wisdom teeth removal? Generally, most people can resume a regular diet within a week. So if you take good care of your wound and follow your doctor’s instructions, you can likely eat solid foods again after one week of your wisdom teeth removal procedure.