
Wisdom Tooth Removal: What to Expect
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to emerge from the gums and periodontal tissue health and grow at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth; one that erupts in each corner of the mouth. Because there is less space at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can emerge from the gums at odd angles or only partly emerge. These are called impacted wisdom teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of dental problems if left untreated in the mouth. They can get infected, cause damage to neighboring teeth, cause crowding of the neighboring teeth, or can start to decay because they are hard to clean. People often remove their wisdom teeth to avoid these problems. However, wisdom teeth do not need to be removed unless they cause problems in the mouth. After you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, you will have some downtime for your mouth to heal. It’s very important to avoid consuming specific foods during this time. After wisdom teeth removal surgery, it is important to get the right nutrition for proper healing. A nutritious diet minimizes the possibility of any complications, helps in reducing swelling, and aids in the healing process. The foods you eat after surgery should be soft and easy to chew. They should also have plenty of vitamins, minerals, energy and protein to help your wounds heal.
What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal: Complete Nutritional Guidance
After undergoing wisdom teeth removal in Edmonton, patients should understand that the oral healing process requires adequate time. So, you should eat some foods and avoid others. Consuming certain foods in large amounts and at hot temperatures can prolong the healing rate and irritate the surgical extraction sites. Here, we will be discussing the various types of food you should eat after undergoing wisdom teeth removal in Edmonton.
- Blended Soup: Blended soup made out of tomato or pumpkin is an excellent option to eat after wisdom teeth removal. These soups are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they help individuals meet their nutritional needs when they are unable to eat solid foods. Eating whole fruits and vegetables within the first few days can cause irritation due to the impact on the surface of the wounds. However, eating these types of soups will also help to keep you hydrated. When consuming soup, be sure it is at a lukewarm or cold temperate.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are very rich in nutrients and calories. This food contains a source of energy. Mashed potatoes are also great for post-surgical feeding. During preparation, the potatoes should be cooked through and then mashed. The mashed potatoes should also be eaten when lukewarm or cold to prevent irritation at the site of injury.
- Broths: These are similar to soups in terms of their nutritional value. Broths make an excellent option post wisdom teeth removal as they are easy to prepare and consume. In specific, bone broth contains many beneficial properties. To prepare this, animal bones such as chicken or cattle are boiled into a broth. Once the bone broth is cooked, simmered and cooled it can be consumed. This type of food is rich in calcium, vitamins and minerals. Broths are usually essential for keeping the body hydrated. Just like the soup, it should be consumed when cold or lukewarm.
- Scrambled Eggs: These are great food to eat after the removal of your wisdom teeth. This is because they have good proteins, vitamins and minerals that help your immune system work well. This nutritious option will help to hasten the healing process of the surgical area.
Additional Food Options and Restrictions Following Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Some other foods that can be eaten after the surgery are as follows: applesauce, mashed bananas, banana ice cream, avocado, smoothies,hummus, cottage cheese, instant oatmeal, mashed pumpkin, and salmon. Foods to avoid would include anything that would potentially impede the healing process or cause damage to the affected area. Be sure to avoid, spicy foods, crunchy foods and crumbly foods, grains, seeds, chewy foods and alcohol. Examples of foods that should be avoided after wisdom teeth removal include, nuts, chips,crackers, rice, quinoa, jerky, toffee, as well as acidic fruits such as an orange. These foods can become trapped in the extraction site and may re-open the stitches or cause an infection.Common Symptoms and Healing Process After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
There are quite a few symptoms associated with the need for wisdom teeth removal, the most common include inflammation and reddening of the gums.Other symptoms that may arise post wisdom teeth removal include the inability to chew properly; for this reason, patients must avoid solid foods. It is also important to note that people who remove their wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 to 19 have a lower risk of developing complications. With that said, the healing process post wisdom tooth removal is a different experience for everyone.
Key Takeaways about Wisdom Teeth Removal and Post-Surgery Nutrition
- Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, emerge last at the back of the mouth and often become impacted due to limited space, which can lead to infections, damage to neighboring teeth, or decay without proper nutritional guidance during recovery.
- Impacted wisdom teeth require removal to prevent dental problems, though removal is not necessary unless they cause issues in the mouth.
- Gallery Dental offers wisdom teeth removal in Edmonton and advises patients that proper healing requires adequate time and appropriate food choices to avoid irritating the surgical extraction sites.
- Blended soups made from vegetables like tomato or pumpkin provide essential vitamins and minerals while being easy to consume after wisdom teeth extraction surgery.
- The recommended post-surgery diet includes nutrient-rich soft foods such as mashed potatoes, which contain 110 calories per 100 grams and provide necessary energy for healing.
- Bone broths offer beneficial properties for recovery as they contain calcium, vitamins, and minerals while helping to keep the body properly hydrated after dental extraction procedures.
- Scrambled eggs serve as an excellent protein source that supports immune function and hastens the healing process after oral surgery.
- Patients should avoid crunchy, spicy, chewy foods and items containing grains or seeds like nuts, chips, crackers, and rice as these can become trapped in extraction sites and potentially cause infections.
- Common symptoms following wisdom teeth removal include gum inflammation, redness, and temporary difficulty chewing, which is why appropriate food choices are crucial.
- Individuals who undergo sedation dentistry for tooth extractions between ages 16-19 have a lower risk of developing complications, though healing experiences vary from person to person.