Wisdom Teeth Removal: What can I eat after the procedure?

Although wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure and most patients are able to resume their routines fairly soon afterward, you will need to make some adjustments to your diet in the hours and first day or two after your wisdom teeth are removed.

Liquids will be easiest, and you can start drinking water and juices fairly soon after the procedure. It’s important to stay well-hydrated as you heal, and water can also help to clear away bacteria that could cause a post-operative infection.

Later in the day after your wisdom teeth are removed, you can begin to eat soft foods that won’t cause you discomfort. Items like ice cream, applesauce, Jell-o, pudding, smoothies or soup are all good choices.

The following day, you should be able to add softer solid foods, such as pasta, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese and mashed potatoes.

It’s important that you get adequate nutrition after the procedure, but you need to do so in a way that doesn’t interfere with your haling. Your oral surgeon can give you more guidance on the best foods to eat and when you can re-introduce more solid foods.

While liquids are good sources of nutrition post-wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important for patients to avoid drinking straws until the surgical site has healed sufficiently. Drinking straws increase the risk of dry sockets, a painful condition in which the blood clots that form to protect the empty socket are dislodged too soon.

You should also steer clear of spicy and acidic foods for a few days after your wisdom teeth are removed, as these foods can irritate the extraction sites and increase your discomfort. You also should not drink alcohol, at least while you are on any painkillers.

We want your wisdom tooth extraction to go as smoothly as possible for you. If you have any questions about what you can eat afterward, or any other concerns, please ask a member of our knowledgeable staff so that we can make sure you have all of the information you need. Contact us today at Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates to schedule a consultation!

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