Wisdom tooth extractions are among the most common types of dental surgeries performed, and for many patients, it lays the foundation for a lifetime of fewer oral health problems! But as with any type of oral surgery, the aftercare period is of utmost importance, and one thing that poses a challenge for many patients following wisdom tooth extraction is eating and drinking without disrupting the healing process! Here’s more about how your body recovers during the first week after the procedure, along with a breakdown of what you should and shouldn’t eat during that time.
Immediately Following Surgery (1 – 2 days)
On the day of your surgery, you’ll likely experience a moderate amount of discomfort upon returning home—and you might not be in the mood to eat! But this can actually make it easier for you to avoid solid foods, which works in your favor. You should stick to liquids like broths and soups, juices, and plenty of water. However, it’s crucial that you don’t use a drinking straw, as the suction can disrupt the blood clots covering your surgical sites and cause painful dry sockets that also delay your healing.
The First Week After Surgery
On the third day after your surgery, you can begin implementing soft foods back into your diet using caution. You will still want to avoid anything hard or crunchy, but you can enjoy things with some substance including yogurt, pudding, Jell-O, oatmeal, heartier soups, and boiled or mashed vegetables and fruits.
Something to keep in mind is the position of the food inside your mouth; if possible, avoid letting the food sit on the incision sites as they will likely still be sensitive. Also be sure not to eat or drink anything that might disturb the blood clots that form over the sockets; these play a crucial role in the healing process. It’s also wise to avoid overly hot or cold items that can trigger further discomfort.
Beyond the First Week Post-Surgery
The first week following wisdom tooth extraction is undoubtedly the most difficult; but once you’ve reached the seven-day mark, you can begin slowly resuming your normal diet. However, it’s recommended that you ease back into solid foods and show extra caution when reintroducing crunchy foods like chips, crackers, granola bars, and more. You should start off with things like cooked pasta, rice, eggs, and finely cut meats. At this point in your aftercare, it’ll ultimately depend on how well your surgical sites have healed, meaning you should still prioritize caution over your cravings!
Sticking with a specialized diet following your wisdom tooth extractions will ensure that things have the chance to heal up quickly and without complications. Giving up solid foods for about a week is a very small and reasonable price to pay for vastly improved oral health!
About the Practice
Dr. Jeff Lee and his awesome team at Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery have proudly served patients and families in the Cambridge and Marietta areas for several years. Dr. Lee received his dental doctorate from The Ohio State University and his practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including wisdom tooth extractions. If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom tooth extractions, you can contact Dr. Lee online or over the phone for assistance or to schedule a visit: (740) 432-8768.