An estimated 20-25% of the population is born with anywhere from 1 to 3 wisdom teeth, while 35% of people don’t have any wisdom teeth. If you’re one of the lucky ones without third-molars, wonderful for you! On the other hand, if you’re in the midst of prepping for a wisdom tooth extraction in Alexandria, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn what you can expect after your surgery and what foods to stock your kitchen with before your procedure.
What Can You Expect After Oral Surgery?
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you’ll likely be recovering for up to two weeks. During this time, it’s important to protect the clot that’s forming in the sockets where your wisdom teeth once were. This is because these will eventually transform into healing tissue that will fill your gum and bone. Some patients experience intermittent bleeding, swelling, and some pain for a couple of days, but these should all fade as you begin healing. Placing ice packs on your face for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off can help with any swelling and discomfort.
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After your wisdom teeth have been removed, you’ll need to alter your diet to ensure that the clot doesn’t dislodge. Foods that you’ll want to avoid include:
- Crunchy snacks, like pretzels and chips
- Popcorn
- Spicy foods
- Hot foods and drinks
It’s also important to avoid drinking from a straw. Additional, more detailed instructions will be provided to you during your pre-op appointment.
Foods You Can Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Before your procedure, you’ll want to be sure to stock your kitchen with soft foods that will help promote healing and not cause pain or your clot to dislodge. Some items to add to your shopping list include:
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Applesauce
- Avocados
- Smoothies (no fruits with seeds)
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Jell-O
- Soft fish
- Oatmeal
- Thin soups
It’s best to consume these types of foods between four and seven days after your wisdom tooth removal.
If you have any complications, pain, or questions after your procedure, there’s no need to fret. Your oral surgeon in Alexandria will be just a phone call away to let you know whether what you’re experiencing is typical of the healing process. With the right post-surgery routine in place, you’ll be able to enjoy a speedy and stress-free recovery!
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we are proud to have four board-certified oral surgeons guide our team who are passionate about offering compassionate and high-quality care. Each of our doctors have advanced, specialized training and years of experience to guide them through a variety of procedures, including wisdom teeth extractions, dental implant placement, bone grafting, and much more. To schedule a consultation for wisdom tooth surgery, visit our website or call 571-777-6501.