Wisdom Teeth Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Having your wisdom teeth removed at any age can be daunting. You may be worried about what happens after your surgery and what the recovery process will be like. We have answered some of the most common wisdom teeth removal questions below.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

For the first 24 hours, a liquid or soft diet consisting of foods you do not need to chew is required. Soups (not too hot), Jell-O, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are good choices. Do not sip through a straw, as this could dislodge the blood clot over the extraction site when drinking liquids.

Over the next few days, you can add other foods, including oatmeal, hummus, soft fruits, soft-cooked vegetables, bananas, avocados, beans, scrambled eggs, sweet potatoes, pasta, shredded chicken or fish, and more.

After three days, you can gradually add foods that require some chewing but try to avoid chewing near the extraction sites. Within a week, you can eat most normal foods, although you may want to avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for two weeks.

When can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Once you return home after wisdom teeth extraction, you should avoid eating for the first several hours. Drinking lots of water is essential to keep you hydrated. However, you can sip on lukewarm broths, liquid diet supplements, and low-acid juices.

The next day, add soft foods that do not need to be chewed. On the third day, foods like scrambled eggs can be added. You can add solid foods at the end of the week but be cautious about anything overly spicy.

When can I eat solid food after wisdom teeth removal?

By the end of the first week, you should be able to enjoy solid foods, but take some time adding crunchy foods back into your diet.

Can I eat before wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is generally performed under general anesthesia. You cannot eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before surgery. This prevents nausea, vomiting, and potential complications that can be dangerous. A tiny sip of water is the most you can do, but do not drink large quantities of water prior to surgery.

What should I avoid after wisdom teeth removal?

Rest and relaxation are crucial to your recovery, so the first day should be spent resting. Keep your head elevated and keep the following in mind:

• Do not use straws; the suction can cause a dry socket
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol for the first week
• Do not blow your nose for the first two weeks; instead, blot your nose
• Do not eat hard or crunchy foods, seeds, or nuts for at least a week
• Do not exercise or engage in strenuous activities for 3-4 days
• Do not use ice packs after the first 48 hours; if you still have discomfort or swelling, switch to warm compresses
• Do not lie flat the first three days following wisdom teeth removal. Prop your head on pillows or sleep in a recliner to minimize swelling

What is the recovery time for wisdom teeth removal?

How quickly you recover depends on several factors, including how complex the surgery is and how many teeth are extracted. Complete recovery usually takes about two weeks. Most patients return to work four to five days after surgery.

Why do people get their wisdom teeth removed?

If wisdom teeth are causing pain or cannot fully erupt, they are removed. However, many people have their wisdom teeth removed even when not experiencing symptoms. Dentists often suggest removing them to avoid potential problems in the future.

Complications such as impaction, infection, and crooked teeth are common because the human jawbone no longer has the room to accommodate the wisdom teeth. Having the wisdom teeth extracted when you are a teen or in your twenties is easier because the roots of the teeth have not fully developed.

Is it urgent to get your wisdom teeth out?

It depends on whether they are causing immediate problems. If you are experiencing tooth pain, swelling, difficulty chewing, have an infection or abscess, or other complications, immediate removal is necessary to properly treat the problem.

If you do not have symptoms, x-rays and examination by a dentist or oral surgeon are the only ways to determine whether wisdom teeth removal is a dental emergency. Extraction may be needed if there is damage below the gum line or the tooth roots are causing harm.

Can I work the day I have my wisdom teeth removed?

No. You will not feel like working, and the inflammation in your mouth will be aggravated by activity. You need to rest and allow your body’s natural healing process to begin. Most patients recuperate at home for about four days before returning to work.