What to eat after Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Over 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted every year in the Unites States. The wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Often times they do not erupt leaving them impacted below the gum line. Or they erupt and there is not room in the jaw and arch to accommodate the tooth. Let’s look at the symptoms and complications leading up to the maple grove extraction wisdom teeth, the procedure itself and the important aftercare.

Symptoms and Complications resulting in Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Over thousands of years the jaws of the human face have evolved. Once large enough to accommodate 32 teeth the growth of the human brain has required more space and the diet has become softer over many centuries of evolution. As many as 35% of adults never see a wisdom tooth as they continue to become extinct. 85% of the remaining have the wisdom teeth removed. If the wisdom teeth are impacted, they often are not straight and crowd and push neighboring molars. This can result in poor alignment and damage to the adjacent teeth as well as the jawbone and interacting nerves. There is just not enough space for that third set of molars. If they do erupt, or erupt partially, they can result in gum inflammation, swelling, and infection surrounding the tooth.

The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

X-rays begin each and every procedure. If the wisdom tooth is erupted a local anesthetic is used and the tooth will simply be extracted. Partially erupted or impacted requires the anesthetic, possibly a sedative, a surgical incision and then the extraction of the tooth. The incision may have sutures to close the tissue. In each and every extraction the first 24 hours is very important to allow a blood clot to form.

The Recovery following having Wisdom Teeth Extracted

It is very important to follow the dentist’s instructions during the recovery process. This includes what to not do and what you should not eat. You will not want to engage in any strenuous activities. Take it easy for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid touching the wound and do not rinse your mouth aggressively. Remove the surgical pad on the wound, ice your cheek and take the pain medication prescribed.

As far as what you can and cannot eat, do not eat or drink anything acidic or spicy. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages, do not smoke and do not eat anything hard or difficult to chew. You do not want to disturb the blood clot or reopen the stitches and you don’t want any food getting trapped in the extraction site.

Try to eat soft foods such as apple sauce, yogurt, smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes and jello, pudding and ice cream. Cold food will feel better at first. As the incision or clot continues to heal you can introduce scrambled eggs and instant oatmeal. As the swelling decreases and the discomfort subsides you can move to foods like chicken, fruits and vegetables. By following these directions, you will avoid unnecessary complications.

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