When Can One Eat Chips After Wisdom Teeth Removal
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth come out between 17 to 25 years. Some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth and come in without any issues; others may experience pain, crowding, or impaction, which is when the tooth cannot erupt fully through the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and tender gums. They may also lead to infection. Wisdom teeth removal in Gilbert is a common procedure performed by an oral surgeon.
After removing your wisdom teeth, it is important to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for care. This includes not eating hard, crunchy foods after surgery. Chips are one of the foods you should avoid as they can easily get stuck in the extraction sites and cause pain or irritation. Stick to softer foods like soup and mashed potatoes until your mouth has healed fully.
What Wisdom Teeth Removal is
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgery to remove the four wisdom teeth, the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They are often removed because they can cause problems with crowding and impaction or because they may come in at an angle and push on the adjacent tooth. Wisdom teeth can also get trapped under the gum tissue and cause an infection.
Your Gilbert dentist may recommend removing them if the wisdom teeth are causing problems. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around your mouth. You may also be given sedation to help you relax during the procedure.
The surgery itself usually takes less than an hour. Afterward, you will need to rest for a few hours before you can go home. You will likely experience soreness and swelling in your mouth and cheeks following the surgery. A dentist near you will prescribe medication to help with this discomfort.
You should avoid eating hard or crunchy foods immediately after your surgery. Stick to soft foods like scrambled eggs, soups, and mashed potatoes for a few days until your mouth feels better. Once the swelling decreases, you can slowly start adding other foods to your diet. Most people recover from wisdom tooth surgery within a week or two.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You may experience slight bleeding and swelling in the area of the surgery. This is normal and will go away on its own.
There are some risks associated with wisdom teeth removal surgery. These include infection, dry socket, damage to the nerve that provides sensation to your teeth and gums, or injury to nearby structures such as your sinuses or jawbone.
Here is how to manage these symptoms:
- Apply ice to mouth for 20 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed to help with any discomfort.
- Gently rinse your mouth with saline water to avoid an infection.
- Be sure to eat soft foods and stick to liquids and smoothies for the first few days after surgery.
When Can One Eat Chips After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You can usually eat chips after wisdom teeth removal as soon as your pain and swelling have gone down. This is usually within a few days to a week. If you have any stitches, you will need to wait until they dissolve before eating anything crunchy.
What Types Of Food Should I Avoid While Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
It is important to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods when recovering from wisdom teeth removal. These foods can cause the surgical site to bleed or become infected. Instead, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, and pudding.
When Can I Resume a Normal Diet?
There are several factors to consider when it comes to resume a normal diet after wisdom teeth removal. These include the type of procedure performed, the time elapsed since the surgery, and your oral health.
You should not resume a normal diet until at least 24 hours have passed. This is because your mouth will be very sensitive to hot and cold foods for up to three days following surgery.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Town Square Dental for more information about wisdom teeth removal procedures and what to expect.