Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically appear during the late teens or early twenties. Because there is not enough room in the mouth for an extra set of molars, many dental professionals recommend having these teeth removed. When there is not enough room for a tooth, it may develop sideways or push other teeth out of alignment.
Untreated wisdom teeth can also lead to other serious oral health conditions. These include infection, jaw stiffness, chronic bad breath, cysts or tumors that form around the wisdom tooth, and more. Having an oral surgeon extract wisdom teeth as soon as possible is the most effective way of preventing these issues.
Following wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to follow a diet that will not harm the surgical sites or prolong recovery. You should start with soft foods and liquids after surgery. Our office will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions that contain information regarding foods to avoid and how to progress your diet back to normal.
Examples of soft foods and liquids to consume after wisdom teeth removal:
For more examples, read about 10 types of soft food you can eat after wisdom tooth removal. Post-operative discomfort can often be relieved with cool foods, like JELL-O®, smoothies, or ice cream. Try to consume a nutrient-rich diet to promote faster healing. Incorporating soups or protein shakes will help balance out the more sugary options.
Starting immediately after your oral surgery, do not eat anything for 2 hours. This gives time for the blood clots to form. Your surgeon will provide any additional instructions you should follow to ensure the smoothest recovery possible.
If you were sedated, avoid fatty, creamy, or oily foods after surgery as they may cause nausea. For 3 weeks, do not eat hard, crunchy, or very chewy foods. These types of foods may damage or get trapped in the surgical sites. Examples of foods to avoid include:
Do not eat or drink anything using a straw for the first 3 days after surgery. The suction motion can dislodge the blood clot forming inside the tooth socket. Once dislodged, the nerves underneath become exposed, which can be very painful. If you suspect a dry socket, contact your oral surgeon immediately.
In general, you can resume your normal diet when you feel comfortable doing so. This is usually within a few days to a week following surgery. You should use caution when chewing around your surgical sites even if you feel comfortable returning to a regular diet. If you have questions about what types of foods to eat or when to advance your diet, contact our office. Our staff is happy to assist you.
Dr. Ioppolo regularly extracts wisdom teeth at our office in Lubbock, TX. Our team makes the oral surgery experience smooth and easy, and we answer all of your questions so that you can be informed about your care. Contact Hill & Ioppolo Oral & Dental Implant Surgery of Lubbock today if you or your child have wisdom teeth and need them extracted.
