New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Wisdom tooth extraction is an important procedure that can support your long-term oral health. However, it does come with a bit of a recovery period. Your dental team will give you detailed instructions to support your body’s healing process. One of the most important things you should do is make smart food choices. What should you eat after wisdom tooth extractions? This simple guide can steer you in the right direction.
Safe Foods for Your Recovery
For at least 4 – 7 days after your procedure, your diet should consist of foods that require little to no chewing. Here are some examples:
- Applesauce
- Oatmeal
- Blended soups
- Smoothies (without seeds or other hard add-ins)
- Broth
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed bananas
- Avocados
- Hummus
- Boneless fish fillets
It is even okay to indulge in some soft, sweet treats, such as ice cream. Its cold temperature might be soothing for your mouth. Just be sure to consume it only in moderation!
Foods to Avoid
Discomfort, swelling, and mild bleeding are all common within the first few days after wisdom tooth extractions. Avoiding certain foods can make sure that such symptoms are not worse than they have to be. Plus, the right diet can minimize the risk of dry socket, a painful complication that occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site does not form or gets knocked out of place.
Here are some foods that you should wait to enjoy until after you are fully recovered:
- Spicy foods
- Extremely hot foods (This is especially important during the hours after your procedure; your mouth might be numb, and the last thing you want to do is burn yourself!)
- Crunchy foods
- Chewy foods
- Tough meats
- Raw fruits and veggies
When Can You Eat Normally Again?
Everybody heals at different rates. Some people can start returning to their normal diet within a week of their procedure, while others have to wait two weeks or a bit longer. Be patient with yourself, and if a food causes discomfort or is difficult to consume, do not continue eating it. Time will pass quickly, and before you know it, you should be able to go right back to your usual habits!
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has been serving patients in our community for decades. We are proud to feature a talented, experienced team of dentists who are dedicated to providing top-quality care. Wisdom tooth extractions are among the many services available in our practice. To learn more about this procedure and what to expect from it, get in touch with us at 203-712-4068.