Preparing ahead of time for your recovery after oral surgery can make the healing process quicker, more comfortable, and more successful overall. One of the most important things to consider when it comes to oral surgery recovery, specifically is what you can eat and drink, as well as what foods and beverages to avoid. Use the helpful information below from Dr. Carolyn B. Walker and the caring team at Leon Springs Dental Center in San Antonio, TX to find out how you should stock your fridge prior to oral surgery, which foods to stay away from, and why it matters.
What procedures are considered oral surgery?
Oral surgery is a broad term that can apply to a wide range of treatments and procedures performed on the mouth, teeth, jaw, and certain facial features for either cosmetic, functional, or medical reasons. At Leon Creek Dental Center, Dr. Walker performs a number of oral surgery procedures in the cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and periodontal spaces. These include:
- Tooth extraction
- Removal of impacted wisdom teeth
- Dental implant placement
- Full mouth restoration
- TMJ therapy
- Root canal therapy
- Gum surgery
How does oral surgery work?
The details of your treatment plan will vary based on the nature and severity of your concerns, which procedure is being performed, and other factors. Generally speaking, oral surgery with a dentist can be performed using a local anesthetic with sedation for additional comfort.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Again, this will depend on which treatment or procedure is being performed, the patient’s overall dental and oral health, their adherence to aftercare guidelines, and other individual factors. For most minor oral surgeries, patients are able to resume the majority of their normal routines within just a few days.
What should I eat after oral surgery?
Because oral surgery often involves the teeth, tongue, gums, jaw, and other structures in the mouth, it can be difficult and/or uncomfortable to eat for a few days after the procedure. Additionally, certain foods and beverages can be damaging to the healing tissues and structures, and may delay your recovery. Soft and/or cold foods are some of the best options. Prior to your procedure, plan to stock up on safe foods to eat after oral surgery, including:
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Soup (lukewarm)
- Ice cream
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Mashed potatoes
What foods should I avoid after oral surgery?
In the first week or so after oral surgery, it is important to avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, or excessively hot foods. In some cases, patients are also encouraged not to use a straw after oral surgery. Even eating with a fork is discouraged in certain cases. To minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications associated with eating and drinking after oral surgery, patients should stick to soft, cold/cool/lukewarm foods that can be eaten by hand or with a spoon. While this may not sound ideal, keep in mind that it will likely only be for a few days. Once you have healed and recovered from your procedure, you can return to your normal eating habits – and you may even find that you’re now able to safely and comfortably eat foods that were previously off-limits to you.
Get a healthy, functional, beautiful smile with oral surgery in San Antonio, TX
Whether you require oral surgery to treat an infection or desire oral surgery for a more attractive smile, we can help. To learn more about your options for oral surgery, call Leon Springs Dental Center to schedule your one-on-one consultation with top San Antonio, TX dentist Dr. Carolyn B. Walker today.
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Dr. Carolyn B. WalkerLeon Springs Dental CenterDental ImplantsFull-Mouth ReconstructionRoot Canal TherapyScaling and Root PlaningTMJ TherapyOral Surgery