14 Sep Are there diet restrictions after a tooth extraction?
Has your dentist referred you to an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction? Perhaps it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed. If you do have an upcoming tooth extraction, you might have some questions about the treatment and recovery process.
Many people ask about dietary restrictions following a tooth extraction procedure. There are a few things to consider when it comes to eating food after tooth removal. First, patients need to protect the clot that forms over the extraction site. Dislodging this clot affects oral tissues’ ability to heal. Since food with sharp edges can affect the stability of the clot, it is important to eat a liquid and soft diet as recommended following treatment.
Other reasons why soft and liquid foods are recommended after wisdom teeth removal is the fact that oral surgery, even though it is necessary, does temporarily traumatize tissue. It is important to give your mouth a break from full oral function after a procedure so that tissues can rest and heal with minimal irritation.
How long are dietary restrictions necessary?
It is important to follow your surgeon’s advice very closely during and after treatment. You should abstain from solid, chewy foods for as long as we recommend. Resuming regular dietary habits too soon can affect your ability to heal after your surgery. It can also increase post-operative discomfort.
Will I be comfortable during and after my procedure?
Our team makes every effort to ensure that our patients are comfortable during any procedure. In order to maintain your comfort, we utilize pain-relieving and sedating medication for more invasive procedures. These medications allow us to work efficiently without obstruction while you rest in our plush operatory chairs.
After your treatment, we will provide you with a take-home packet of instructions and tips for maximizing your body’s ability to heal and for managing discomfort. We will recommend home remedies like cold compresses to ease swelling along with helpful ways to get excellent nutrition while you’re on a temporary soft and liquid diet.
If you have questions about an upcoming procedure, call our team at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates today.