What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?

Chances are good that you will have one or more teeth removed during your lifetime. For many people, this starts early with wisdom teeth removal in their teenage years. Regardless of your age, if you need a tooth extraction, you most likely want to know what you will be able to eat afterward. Eating the right things and avoiding the wrong ones will help you heal quickly and avoid complications. 

Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

You may need a tooth extraction for many reasons. Some teeth must be extracted because the tooth or its root is abnormal or has been damaged, because of gum disease or loss of supporting bone, or because the tooth is impacted or causing problems with other teeth. You may know you need treatment if you experience discomfort, but regular dental care means many conditions can be treated before you start to feel pain. 

How is Tooth Extraction Done?

The details of your tooth extraction depend on whether the tooth is impacted and how easily the surgeon can access it. Wisdom teeth and canines are most likely to become impacted, which may require the removal of a piece of bone to access them. If the tooth is not impacted, removal is usually straightforward. Dr. Sonneveld will explain what will happen during your procedure. 

What to Eat After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, you will have an opening in your gum where the tooth used to be. What you eat during the week is important to the healing process, so follow your surgeon’s instructions. Recommendations for your recovery timeline include:

The First 24 to 48 Hours

You can expect some soreness after your tooth extraction, and it may hurt to open your mouth. Start with liquids, but do not use a straw since this could interfere with healing. You can start adding soft foods like yogurt, pudding, apple sauce, and ice cream. Cold foods may soothe some of your discomfort. 

Third to Fourth Day

You can start adding more solid foods, such as mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. If these do not cause discomfort, you can start adding other soft foods. Avoid hard or crunchy foods and anything with sharp edges, such as potato chips. Continue to avoid drinking from straws and follow your surgeon’s instructions for cleaning the area. 

Fifth Day and Beyond

You can continue to add foods as you feel comfortable. Most people can eat their usual foods within a week, but it may take longer, depending on the details of your procedure. Continue to follow your surgeon’s instructions. If you experience discomfort with harder foods, return to softer ones for a few days. 

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about tooth extraction recovery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.