Procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, dental implant placement, and gum grafts have specific aftercare instructions to ensure your proper recovery. Your diet is one of the most critical areas to watch after dental surgery in Rochester. You’ll receive detailed instructions from your surgeon, but these are some general foods to avoid.
Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After wisdom tooth removal, avoiding infection at the socket during recovery is vital. Bacteria in your mouth can cause a severe infection if they proliferate in the socket during healing, so certain foods should be avoided to prevent this.
You should avoid foods that can become lodged in the extraction site, which can interfere with the healing process and can provide a source of food for bacteria. Small, hard foods such as seeds are prime examples. Various grains are also something to avoid during the first few days.
The extraction site will be sensitive during healing, so avoiding irritating foods can make your recovery more pleasant. Acidic and spicy foods are among the most notable examples. Acidic beverages such as soda, some fruit juices, coffee, and wine potentially irritate the extraction site.
Drinking through a straw should be avoided, as it can contribute to dry socket, the most common complication of wisdom tooth extraction. Up to 2.5% of wisdom tooth extractions develop this issue1 which can increase pain during recovery and prolong the recovery process.
Generally, it’s best to stick to softer foods during recovery to allow the site to heal properly. Anything difficult-to-chew can put excess strain on the area. You should also avoid foods that are too hot or too cold. Foods usually suitable after oral surgery include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, apple sauce, soup and smoothies without seeds.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Placement
Dental implant placement is a more complicated dental surgery in Rochester than many other procedures. You’ll likely have more specific dental implant aftercare instructions to ensure you recover properly. Avoiding infection and promoting healing helps prevent issues and improve the long-term outlook for your dental implants.
Again, having bits of food lodged at the implant site is the most important thing to avoid. Nuts and seeds can enter the site more easily, leading to infection. Dental implants are inserted into your jawbone, so any infection can spread to the bone and should be avoided at all costs.
The area will be sensitive to irritants during the first few days. Spicy foods and acidic beverages can all induce irritation and make your recovery experience more challenging.
After dental implant placement, complete healing and osteointegration take several months. However, you’ll only have dietary restrictions during the initial healing stage, which lasts several weeks.
Once fully healed, your final abutment and crown will be attached to the dental implant. You may have certain dietary restrictions, depending on the specific type of tooth replacement. Avoiding hard foods like nuts and chewing ice is recommended, as well as avoiding foods that can get stuck around the implant, like popcorn.
Foods to Avoid After Gum Grafts
Gum grafts and other soft tissue procedures are often used for gum disease treatment or cosmetic purposes. The impact of this type of surgery on the soft tissue can require increased caution during recovery to prevent damage to the gums.
Immediately following your gum surgery, sticking to a liquid diet is best. Chewing and contact with solid food can disrupt your gums during this vital stage of recovery, preventing them from forming a strong hold on the surface of your teeth.
Any foods that could cause infection should be avoided as well. Alongside small, hard foods that can get trapped in the gums, you should avoid very sticky or sugary foods that can cause bacteria to multiply.
Irritants can cause severe discomfort and even inflammation that can interfere with recovery. Spicy foods, acidic beverages, alcohol, and very hot or cold foods should be avoided during recovery.
Some good foods to eat after oral surgery to protect your gums include soft foods such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. As your gums heal, you can expand your diet but should continue to avoid particularly tough or chewy foods.
Plan Your Dental Surgery in Rochester
If you need any type of dental surgery in Rochester, you can count on Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester for care beyond your expectations from start to finish. With our holistic approach to wellness, we provide every patient with the individual attention they need to support them during treatment and recovery. Schedule your appointment today to get started. Give us a call at 585-685-2005.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6969960/
