Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Beth Skwarecki
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in the back of the mouth. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but not everyone develops wisdom teeth. For many people, wisdom teeth can cause problems such as impaction, infection, and crowding of other teeth.
As a result, they may need to be removed through oral surgery. Proper postoperative care is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications. In this article, we will discuss the recovery process after wisdom teeth removal, and dietary restrictions, and answer the question, “How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat a burger?”
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After wisdom teeth removal, you can expect to experience some symptoms and side effects. These can include:
- Pain and discomfort: You may experience pain and discomfort in the extraction site, as well as in the surrounding area.
- Swelling: It’s common to experience swelling in the cheeks, face, and jaw after wisdom teeth removal.
- Bleeding: You may experience some bleeding in the first few days after the procedure.
- Limited mouth opening: You may have difficulty opening your mouth wide due to swelling and soreness.
- Numbness: Numbness in the mouth and tongue is common due to the local anesthesia used during the procedure.
- Bad breath: You may experience bad breath as a result of the healing process.
- Difficulty eating: It can be difficult to eat solid foods for the first few days after the procedure due to pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening.
Dietary Restrictions
After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow a soft-food diet for a period of time to allow the extraction site to heal properly. During the first few days after surgery, it is recommended that you only consume liquids and soft foods that do not require much chewing. This helps to avoid putting pressure on the extraction site and promotes proper healing.
Some examples of soft foods that are safe to eat after wisdom teeth removal include:
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
- Soft cooked vegetables
It is important to avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky, as these can be difficult to eat and may irritate the extraction site. Some examples of foods to avoid include:
- Chips and pretzels
- Nuts
- Hard candy
- Popcorn
- Toast or bread with hard crusts
As your mouth heals, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. In general, you should avoid eating foods that require a lot of chewing or that can easily get stuck in the extraction site.
How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Eat A Burger?
When you can eat a burger after wisdom teeth removal depends on your individual healing process. In general, you should avoid eating burgers or other solid foods that require a lot of chewing for the first few days after surgery. This is to prevent irritation or damage to the extraction site and to promote proper healing.
After the first few days, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. In most cases, you can start eating soft, easy-to-chew foods such as cooked vegetables, pasta, and ground meat within a week after surgery.
As you continue to heal, you can gradually start to eat firmer foods, including burgers. However, you should still be careful not to chew directly on the extraction site, as this can cause discomfort and delay the healing process. Instead, try cutting the burger into small, easy-to-chew pieces and eating it slowly.
It is also important to avoid any foods that are spicy, acidic, or crunchy, as these can irritate the extraction site and delay healing. Additionally, you should continue to follow good oral hygiene practices and avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as these activities can also delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
How to Chew Solid Foods After Surgery
beginning with delicate meals Start off with mushy, simple-to-chew foods like well-cooked spaghetti, mashed potatoes, prepared veggies, and scrambled eggs. Prepare meals by chopping it up. In order to make food simpler to chew and swallow, cut it into tiny, bite-sized chunks. chew completely and gently.
To prevent pain and promote digestion, take your time and fully chew your meal before ingesting. Avoid meals that are chewy, hard to process, or stiff. These might be uncomfortable or give you digestive problems and are difficult to swallow. Keep hydrated.
To help with metabolism and avoid becoming dehydrated, drink plenty of water and other liquids. Alcohol, coffee, and carbonated beverages should all be avoided because they may aggravate the digestive system.
Drinks after Wisdom Tooth Removal
Water For appropriate recovery, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, and water is always the best choice. As scalding water can aggravate the surgical site, make sure the water is tepid or at room temperature. fruit liquid Natural fruit drinks can supply vital minerals and aid in hydration management. Make sure to select liquids devoid of pulp or acids that wouldn’t aggravate the surgical site.
Milk Calcium and protein, which are essential for recovery, can be found in milk. If you prefer non-dairy alternatives, choose coconut milk or low-fat milk. Smoothies prepared from soft fruits and veggies, like cooked spinach, banana, or avocado, can be a healthy way to get essential nutrients without eating firm meals. Tea You can drink herbal tea or non-acidic, decaffeinated tea.
FAQs
Conclusion
A smooth recovery after wisdom teeth removal requires proper care and dietary restrictions. A soft-food diet and avoiding certain foods prevent irritation and damage. Gradually reintroduce solid foods, following dentist or oral surgeon instructions, and eating slowly. Maintain good oral hygiene and contact your dentist or surgeon if you experience pain, discomfort, or complications.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.