You have got the appointment. Now you need to survive the recovery. Here is exactly what to eat, what not to do, and the warning signs that need attention.
Wisdom teeth removal is routine. But the recovery is not always smooth. Most people feel rough for three to four days. Some take up to two weeks.
What to Eat Right After Surgery
Stick to soft foods only. Soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are your friends. Do not chew near the extraction sites.
Use a spoon, not a straw. The suction can dislodge your blood clot. That leads to a painful dry socket.
Gradually reintroduce solid foods as healing progresses. Start with pasta and rice. Avoid anything sharp like chips for at least a week.
Foods to Avoid
Skip popcorn, nuts, and seeds. They get lodged in extraction sites. They can cause infection or irritation.
Avoid very hot foods and drinks. You may have numbness and not feel a burn. Lukewarm is safest for the first 48 hours.
No alcohol. It thins your blood and slows healing. It also interacts badly with any pain medication you are taking.
Managing Pain and Swelling
Take your prescribed painkillers as directed. Do not wait for pain to peak before taking them.
Use ice packs on your cheeks for 15 minutes at a time. This reduces swelling significantly in the first two days.
After 48 hours, switch to warmth. A warm flannel on your jaw helps stiff muscles relax.
Oral Hygiene After Extraction
Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours. After that, use salt water rinses. Gentle only. Too vigorous can dislodge the clot.
Brush your teeth carefully. Avoid the extraction sites for the first few days. Resume normal brushing as healing allows.
Stitches usually dissolve within a week. If they do not, your dentist removes them at your follow-up appointment.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Call your dentist if bleeding does not stop after a few hours. Bite on a clean gauze pad firmly for 30 minutes.
Watch for signs of dry socket. Severe pain radiating to your ear, temple, or neck is a red flag. This usually happens within three to five days.
Fever, spreading swelling, or pus are signs of infection. Do not ignore these. Antibiotics are often needed.
When to Call Your Dentist
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, call us. It is always better to check than to suffer in silence.
Most recoveries are straightforward. But complications happen. Catching them early makes all the difference.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice