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When Can You Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?

  • February 29, 2024
  • 493 Views

Having to undergo an invasive dental procedure like tooth extraction is hard, especially since you have to make a lot of changes to facilitate it.

For instance, one of the biggest things you have to sacrifice after extraction surgery is your diet, so much so that most of our patients ask us when they can eat solid food after tooth extraction.

While this might seem an exaggeration, it is quite a common concern. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

In this blog, we have discussed everything you need to know about the tooth extraction procedure, along with when you can start reintroducing solid foods into your diet.

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    Can You Eat After Tooth Extraction?

    Dentists typically advise against eating immediately after a tooth extraction. This is because it is important to avoid eating or drinking for the first few hours to allow the blood clot to form over the extraction site.

    If the blood clot doesn’t develop, it can lead to complications such as a dry socket, inflamed gums, and oral infection.

    This is why it is crucial to stick to cold or room-temperature drinks like water, broth, or juice without pulp. You should also avoid anything solid, or foods that require chewing.

    Questions About When Can You Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction? ?

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    When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?

    The only time you can go back to munching on solid foods is when the extraction site has completely healed. This typically takes around a week or two as the blood clot gets covered by your gums.

    However, it is important to keep in mind that the recovery period varies from person to person. Some people with a minor extraction are free to eat their favorite solid foods only after 3 days post-surgery. On the other hand, if you have a weak immune system, it could take more than a week for the tooth socket to heal.

    Ultimately, if you want to eat solid food after tooth extraction, it depends on you and how well you care for your oral hygiene.

    What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?

    If you recently had a tooth extracted but aren’t sure of what to eat, don’t worry! Take a look below to see what foods you should incorporate into your daily menu to prevent the extraction site from getting damaged.

    1. Soft Foods
      During the initial days after tooth extraction, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t put pressure on the extraction site. This includes foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
    2. Cold Foods Over Hot Foods
      Cold foods can help numb the extraction site, which helps reduce pain and inflammation.
      Ice cream, popsicles, and cold soups are good examples of that.
    3. Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods
      To prevent irritation or damage to the extraction site, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for at least a week. Try not to eat foods like nuts, chips, popcorn, taffy, gummy candies, etc.
    They were are an impressive dental office that also provides emergency dental services. Stacey and Dr Nahhas are part of a A-1 team you can trust! Thank you so much. I appreciate you and recommend you highly!
    They performed an emergency extraction for me, rescuing me from extreme pain from an exposed nerve. They are professional, compassionate, comprehensive and good! Couldn’t ask for better service from an emergency dental visit!

    Norman Steel

    Great people in the office! Left my teeth feeling great! The dentist was very attentive to my needs and questions and answered without dismissing me. Very refreshing to have a doctor listen to your questions and give straightforward and helpful answers. I found my new regular dentist at this location.

    Cullen Maglothin

    My experience was extremely pleasant. From the front office staff & assistants to dentist himself. Everyone was very professional & understanding. I Came in for an emergency during my lunch break, I was quoted & seen the same day. Very good dentist. I will definitely be coming back with the rest of my family

    Elida Aponte

    Let me just say that I’m not one who goes to the dentist often. But when I do this is the place that I go to. The staff are very welcoming for new and existing patients. When I went I was a little nervous at first but when I got there the staff talked with me asked how my day was, told me what they planned to do in terms I understood, that sort of thing. And when I was in the chair I was in and out in no time at all and didn’t feel any pain.

    Waleed

    Final Words

    All in all, sticking to a soft food diet might not be ideal, but it does keep your extraction site in order. However, if you’re in the mood to eat solid food after tooth extraction, make sure to consult with your dentist first. Nevertheless, for more information on the matter, feel free to contact Lifeline Dental at (281) 409-3777.