However, you should proceed with caution when it comes to eating after your tooth extraction. If you eat too soon or consume the wrong kinds of foods, you can actually disrupt the healing process.
Your oral surgeon will give you a number of post-extraction instructions that will cover topics like eating, cleaning the extraction site and other important aspects of your home care routine. Follow these instructions closely, and call our office immediately if you notice signs of infection or other complications.
Eating After Tooth Extraction
You should always verify post-extraction instructions with your oral surgeon after any tooth extraction including wisdom teeth extraction. Most patients will be able to drink liquids after they are alert enough to do so, and soft foods can be introduced within a few hours.
Keep in mind that you should avoid using drinking straws for an extended period of time after having wisdom teeth extracted, as using straws can contribute to a painful complication known as dry sockets.
After a few days, you can begin to introduce a wider variety of foods, but you should still avoid chewing near the extraction site for another week or two until you’ve completed the initial healing after your tooth extraction.
Additional Considerations For Post-extraction Care
Eating isn’t the only consideration after you have a tooth extraction. You’ll also want to be sure to clean the site thoroughly as instructed.
We will also provide you with a list of signs of complications that warrant immediate follow-up with our office, such as persistent bleeding, a fever or other noticeable signs of infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay in contacting our office for further guidance or evaluation.
If you are planning to have your wisdom teeth extracted or need another surgical tooth extraction, make sure that you understand every aspect of taking care of the extraction site afterward, including what you can eat and when. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our knowledgeable staff members at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates if you have any questions about post-extraction care or follow-up.