One of the many considerations in preparing to have your wisdom teeth extracted is planning for follow-up and aftercare at home. In the initial days of healing, you will need to make certain adjustments to your routine, including your diet. Your oral surgeon will give you detailed post-extraction instructions.
It’s also beneficial to have an understanding of the wisdom tooth extraction procedure so that you will know what specific risks you are trying to minimize and how those complications can develop.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: An Overview
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure because bone tissue must be removed before impacted wisdom teeth can be extracted. This means that incisions are made in the gum tissue, and a blood clot forms to protect the sensitive nerve endings exposed in the extraction.
When that blood clot fails to form or is dislodged prematurely, you will experience a painful complication known as dry sockets. Although this is the most common post-extraction complication, it is largely preventable with proper care and diet.
Post-Extraction Dietary Recommendations
Most importantly, you should plan to eat soft foods for the first few days after your wisdom teeth are removed. Fruit smoothies, applesauce, cottage cheese and scrambled eggs are all good, nutritious choices.
At your follow-up appointment, your oral surgeon will advise you on when you can re-introduce foods that are crunchier or chewier.
You should also be sure to drink enough water throughout your recovery, as staying hydrated is important to the healing process and reducing risk of infection.
Keep in mind that you must avoid using straws after your wisdom tooth extraction until cleared to do so by your surgeon. Drinking through a straw increases your risk of dry sockets.
Additional Post-Extraction Recommendations
In addition to adjusting your diet for a few days after your wisdom teeth are removed, you will also want to clean the teeth as directed by the surgeon to reduce risk of infection. You should also abstain from smoking, which can also interfere with the healing process.
We will work closely with you to minimize your risk of complications after wisdom tooth extraction, including giving you direction about what foods to eat. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about this aspect of your treatment, and don’t hesitate to call our team at Permian Basin Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center for clarification when you need it.
