Wisdom teeth, often known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the oral cavity. They grow at the most posterior section of the mouth in each quadrant, which includes the upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right (Teeth Numbers). Wisdom teeth erupt at around 17 to 25 years of age. Some people may not have any wisdom teeth.
A dentist usually recommends the extraction of wisdom teeth when it causes pain or damage. The extraction of wisdom teeth is one of the most common dental surgeries. It can take 2 weeks to recover fully post wisdom teeth removal.
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What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After removing the third molar, it is essential to take liquid and soft foods to facilitate healing. Hard food, which can cause pain and food entrapment, should be avoided.
There are some foods you can add to your diet to enable tissue healing. The list of foods to eat after wisdom tooth removal are as follows :-
1) Icecream
Your favorite flavor, without seeds or nuts
2) Pudding
You can have bread caramel or chocolate pudding
3) Mashed potatoes
Completely mashed potatoes without any lumps in it
4) Soups
Vegetable and chicken soups are the best to have but at room temperature
5) Fruit juices
Healthy fruit juices are an excellent option to curb hunger during this time
6) Custard
Fresh custards are soft and help in healing
7) Cheesecakes
Soft cheesecakes help in quick recovery
8) Bananas
Mashed bananas with milk are soft and suitable for healing
9) Baby food
Baby food is soft and facilitates healing
10) Applesauce
Cooked apples is another option to try
11) Macaroni
Soft and well-cooked macaroni and cheese are a good option
12) Eggs
Scrambled eggs with cheese
13) Oat-meal
A dentist generally recommends oatmeals after the surgery
14) Fish
Soft cooked fish helps in healing
15) Casseroles
Soft and well-cooked casseroles are another option
What Not To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
A person can consume the food enlisted above for a few days after the surgery, and he/she should avoid hard food, which can cause trauma. A person should avoid the following food :-
1) Grains and seeds
We should avoid rice and quinoa
2) Beverages
Soft drinks can cause irritation and pain
3) Nuts and chips
Nuts and chips open up stitches and interfere in the healing process
4) Acidic and spicy food
Acidic and spicy food can cause pain and irritation
FAQs pertaining to wisdom tooth removal
1) Can I drive home after wisdom tooth removal?
There is a high possibility of blurred vision post general anesthesia during the surgical removal of the third molar. So it is advisable not to drive or use any machinery for 24 hours.
2) What if the wound bleeds after surgery?
Slight oozing of blood for 48 to 72 hours post removal of the tooth is normal. However, if a person notices heavy bleeding, then he/she should take two gauge sponges, fold them 3 to 4 times and hold them tightly over the wound. Bite tightly on the gauge sponges for one hour. This process will help to reduce the bleeding. If the bleeding continues, then consult help from your dentist.
3) When can I start eating?
The cotton pack placed by the dentist has to be held tightly for the first-hour post after the surgery. Soft food and liquids are advised for the first 24 hours to facilitate healing. We can consume the food items enlisted above for one week. We can avoid hot and hard foods. We should refrain from using straws since it can interfere with clot formation.
4) Is the recovery time painful?
The amount of pain after surgery depends on the difficulty level of the extraction. Pain killers are prescribed by the dentist to avoid pain. Sometimes the dentist does not prescribe medications (when no pain is predicted). The pain killer should be taken within 2 to 3 hours before the anaesthesia wears off.
5) Does the face become swollen?
When the third molar extraction involves bone removal, there are chances of swelling. Swelling is a part of the healing process. Swelling is seen for about 3 to 4 days after the surgery. A person may experience difficulty in opening the mouth due to the swelling. This swelling subsides by the end of the week.
6) Can tooth brushing be done after tooth removal?
A person can resume tooth brushing after 24 hours. He/she should take care of the wound while brushing.
7) When are the sutures removed?
Third molar removal procedures need suture placement to facilitate healing of the wound. These sutures are removed after 3 to 4 days.
8) Is smoking allowed?
Smoking interferes with the healing process. One should avoid smoking
9) What is a dry socket?
After the third molar is extracted, the bony socket gets filled with blood. This leads to blood clots, which fill the socket. These blood clots facilitate wound healing. If, due to trauma, the clot gets dislodged, then the bony socket remains empty. This empty bony socket is known as a dry socket. Dry sockets are very painful and you should immediately consult your dentist.
10) When can the daily activities be resumed?
After 3 to 4 days, when the wound healing is complete, daily activities can be resumed.
11) Can I get a fever after surgery?
Illness after surgery is rare. If any signs of fever, do consult your dentist.