What Can You Eat After A Wisdom Tooth Removal?

A wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure.  It is something that our dentist can do very effectively.  It takes up to 2 weeks to recover fully from having a wisdom tooth removed, so it is important to look after the wound properly to heal as quickly as possible.

Why Take Your Wisdom Tooth Out?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, which usually come in between 17 and 25 years of age.  They are commonly removed for these reasons:

• The tooth is impacted because it grew so far back in the mouth.
• It grew at a wrong angle and presses against the other teeth.
• Your jaw has no room for another set of molars.
• You have gum disease or cavities.

What to Expect When You Get Your Wisdom Tooth Removed

• Your wisdom tooth surgery should take about 45 minutes or less.  You will get an anesthesia, so you won’t feel the pain during the procedure.

• Your dentist may apply local anesthesia to help you relax during surgery.

• Your dentist can also numb your mouth or provide a gas mask to help you sleep during the entire process.

• The wisdom tooth is taken out surgically and the wound is closed to help it heal quickly.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Most people have no pain after surgery, but you will likely experience some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days.  You will need a few weeks to heal completely, but the stitches are removed after a week. You can expect some bruising, swelling, and pain, which would require healing.  Recovery would be gradual. The stiffness and soreness typically goes away after 10 days; and by the end of 2 weeks, any mild bruising will have disappeared.

Speeding Up the Healing Process

Blood clots usually form where the tooth was extracted, and they are essential to the healing process. They help prevent excessive bleeding from the extraction site, and they help prevent infection from developing. Blood clots allow new tissues to grow, and they act as a protection for the exposed bone.  So, avoid dislodging these clots by not brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, drinking hot liquids, chewing on food, sucking on straws, drinking alcohol, or smoking. Use an ice pack on your face to prevent swelling. If your jaw is sore, apply moist heat. Open and close your mouth to exercise your jaw, and avoid solid foods. Drink plenty of fluids, and make sure to call your doctor if a fever develops or the pain doesn’t go away. It is important to eat soft foods to help the extraction site to heal quickly, but this doesn’t mean you’re stuck eating tasteless foods. Below are some yummy nutritious meals that you can eat while healing from a wisdom tooth extraction.

10 Yummy Foods That You Can Eat After Extraction

No, you’re not stuck with eating Jell-o.  As long as you’re eating soft and nutritious food, you wouldn’t have to worry about impeding the healing process. Here are 10 delicious and nutritious foods that you can eat while healing from a tooth extraction:

Creamy Green Smoothies

They’re quick and easy to make. While you can’t eat solid foods, you can still enjoy your apples and broccoli just as long as you make smoothies out of them.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

You can still eat avocados, and it doesn’t have to be a smoothie either.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

You don’t need to cook fancy recipes to fill up your tummy after a wisdom tooth extraction.  You can just grab a bowl of Greek Yogurt and add a generous amount of honey.

Peanut Butter Mousse

Perhaps, these are two of your favorite words: peanut butter and mousse. Here’s a delicious recipe for a peanut butter mousse that you can enjoy while healing.

Classic Mashed Potatoes

You can never go wrong with America’s favorite, the classic mashed potato.  It’s everyone’s favorite comfort food, and you definitely need comforting after a tooth extraction.

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Stuff cheese inside croutons for a more yummy meal, and then drop your croutons into a delicious tomato soup.  Let them bathe in long enough to get them super soft.

Baba Ghanouj

You can enjoy delicious recipes even after oral surgery.  Just make sure to remove the eggplant seeds before smashing them.  Avoid using cayenne pepper as well.  It’s not good for a healing extraction site.

Mango Caprese with Basil Vinaigrette

Mango and cheese may seem like solid food, but they’re considerably soft. They will be easy to chew and won’t tax your facial muscles.

Cream of Chicken Soup

Everyone needs pampering when healing, and what can be more comforting than a bowl of chicken soup.

Soft Scrambled Eggs with Ricotta

Eggs are your go-to food when you can’t find anything soft to eat. Although you can eat any kind of eggs, you might want to try this recipe for your sore gums. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, but it helps to educate yourself on how to heal quickly. Make sure to pamper yourself and indulge in delicious yummy soft treats while you’re healing. If you are wondering whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed or if you want to remove an existing one, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit a free consultation with Dr. Schwartz in Charlotte.