Our third molars or wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to appear. They typically erupt in our late teens and early twenties. Not everyone has wisdom teeth and for those who do, the teeth may be extracted because they are difficult to keep healthy because they are so far back in the mouth.
Dentists also recommend wisdom teeth extraction when they cause overcrowding in the mouth and push other adult teeth out of alignment. They may also require removal if they grow in at an angle or do not erupt correctly.
What is Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom teeth emerge or try to emerge when there is no room to accommodate them. In cases where the dentist can grasp the tooth to pull it, they will perform a simple extraction by numbing the area with an anaesthetic before moving the tooth back and forth to loosen it and using forceps to remove it.
However, if a wisdom tooth does not fully erupt, it is referred to as an impacted or partially impacted tooth. Often, wisdom teeth are removed when they are still impacted or partially impacted due to discomfort or an increased likelihood of an infection occurring.
Fully-impacted teeth require an incision in the gum and are removed under general anaesthetic. The incision is sutured with dissoluble stitches.
Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure and is listed as one of the top 10 inpatient and day-case procedures in the UK.
- Things you may notice during the recovery period
Typically, the recovery period for an impacted wisdom tooth removal is around two weeks. During this period, you may notice some side effects of treatment, including:
- Swelling of the mouth.
- Mild bruising of the cheek.
- Discomfort in the area of extraction.
- Soreness of the jaw.
- An unusual taste in the mouth.
- Numbness or tingling of the affected area.
These side effects should begin to subside after a couple of weeks. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
Eating Guide for Post Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After a wisdom tooth removal, dentists recommend you avoid certain foods that can adversely impact your recovery.
If you are uncertain of which foods to avoid after your procedure, the following guide can help you achieve a proper post-wisdom tooth removal diet.
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How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat meat?
After wisdom tooth removal, a blood clot will form over the area to protect it while it heals.
If you enjoy eating meat, cook it until it is tender and cut it into small bites, so it is more manageable.
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How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat pizza?
Avoid any hard or chewy foods for at least two weeks following your procedure, including, pizza. These foods have the potential to cause damage to the treatment area while it heals.
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Can I eat French Fries after wisdom teeth removal?
Refrain from eating French Fries for at least 24 hours following treatment and stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods. After this initial period, French Fries can be re-introduced into your diet as long as they are soft and not overly crispy or chewy.
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How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat normally?
You will only need to eat soft, liquid, or mashed foods on the first day after wisdom tooth removal when the surgical site is still open.
You can gradually add softer solid foods that are easy to break down to your diet according to your comfort level and chewing ability.
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What to eat after wisdom teeth removal day 5?
By day five post-procedure, the affected area of the mouth should be well into the healing process. At this time, you can start to re-introduce harder foods, as there is less risk of incurring damage to the surgical site.
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How long after tooth extraction can I eat chips?
Ideally, you should wait at least five days before adding chips back into your diet. The sharp edges of chips can be particularly damaging to the healing surgical sites.
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When can I eat spicy food after wisdom teeth removal?
Wait at least a week before consuming spicy foods after treatment, as they can irritate the sensitive tissues and increase blood flow and swelling, impairing the healing process.
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Can I eat ice cream after wisdom teeth removal?
Ice cream is an excellent food choice for the post-procedure period. The coolness of the ice cream soothes the inflamed gums and promotes healing.
Smoothies are a healthier option that offers healing qualities similar to those of ice cream but with a higher nutritional value.
Avoid using straws when consuming ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies. The suction created by straws can rupture the surgical site and cause bleeding.
Foods You Should Avoid
- Crunchy and crumbly foods
Crunchy and crumbly foods can become lodged in the wound, causing discomfort and potential inflammation.
- Most grains and seeds
Grains and seeds are hard in texture and challenging for the teeth to break down. They can easily become lodged in the wound, which slows the healing process and causes inflammation.
- Spicy foods
Spicy foods can irritate the healing area and exacerbate inflammation.
- Chewy foods
Eating chewy foods can cause you to accidentally bite down on the inside of your cheek, tongue, or lips, causing further damage to the mouth immediately following surgery.
- Alcohol
Alcohol can irritate the affected area and conflict with any medication you may be taking.
Self-Care Advice at Home
Introduce various self-care routines into your daily home care schedule to aid in wisdom teeth extraction recovery. This can include:
- Maintaining a diet of soft, easy to break down food.
- Avoiding over-exertion and strenuous physical activity for several days.
- Brushing your teeth thoroughly, but carefully.
- Gently rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash or warm water with a teaspoon of salt after eating.
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol for at least 24 hours.
There are various pain remedies you can try at home to mitigate discomfort post-procedure, but it is important to first discuss which of these options is appropriate with your dentist or oral surgeon before use.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/what-happens/
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321300.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal
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