How Long After Wisdom Tooth Removal Can I Return to Normal Eating?

It is no secret that wisdom tooth removal is common and often necessary. But you may wonder how long it will take to return to your regular diet after surgery. The good news is that most people can resume their regular eating habits pretty quickly. However, it's important to carefully follow the advice of downtown Seattle dentist Dr. Hal Kussick to avoid any complications.

Tooth extractions are among the most significant advances in modern dentistry. Read on for more information about post-operative care and what you can eat after oral surgery at Dental@888 General and Aesthetic Dentistry.

Why do I need wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom tooth removal may be necessary if you experience discomfort or pain when the teeth at the back of your mouth erupt. That's because your other teeth are pushing against them or forcing them out of alignment. Wisdom teeth should be extracted before they lead to serious problems.

While some patients do not need their wisdom teeth removed, others may suffer from severe pain or other complications. A downtown Seattle dentist, like Dr. Hal Kussick, can examine the area, take x-rays, and make recommendations for treatment. Tooth extraction may be the best choice to alleviate existing issues.

What is recovery like after wisdom tooth removal?

Recovery from wisdom tooth removal varies based on whether you have a simple extraction (removing a tooth from above the gumline) or a surgical extraction (removing a tooth from below the gumline). However, the recovery process is generally the same for both types of procedures. You may feel some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the treatment area, but these side effects can be alleviated with pain relievers. We may also recommend a warm saltwater rinse to help speed up healing.

What should I eat after a tooth extraction?

Dental@888 General and Aesthetic Dentistry will provide a set of guidelines and detailed instructions about what to eat after oral surgery. Patients should follow our advice to protect the healing area and prevent complications that will only extend their time in recovery.

Here are some ideas about what's safe to eat after wisdom tooth removal:

• Soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow

• Foods with smooth and moist textures (e.g., applesauce)

• Soups and broths (e.g., chicken broth)

• Yogurt and pudding

• Jell-O

• Ice pops

Patients can gradually move into solid foods after a few weeks. However, try not to switch to regular meals too soon after tooth extraction because you could damage the surgical site or get an infection.

What shouldn't I eat after wisdom tooth removal?

Until you meet with Dr. Kussick for a follow-up appointment, there are several kinds of foods that should be avoided after oral surgery. Here's a list of what to avoid:

• Raw fruits and vegetables

• Hard and crunchy foods (e.g., apples, pretzels)

• Chewy and sticky foods (e.g., taffy, caramels)

• Spicy or acidic foods (e.g., peppers)

• Foods that contain seeds or nuts (e.g., strawberries, trail mix)

• Any foods that can get stuck in the surgical site and disrupt healing

Have a safe recovery from wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom tooth removal is necessary, but recovery isn't always easy. Fortunately, you can return to your normal diet in just a few weeks. Downtown Seattle dentist Dr. Hal Kussick will provide a list of safe and unsafe foods as well as detailed instructions about post-operative care. Call our office to schedule an appointment at Dental@888 General and Aesthetic Dentistry. Our goal is to provide Seattle-area patients with the best care possible.