After a Tooth Extraction When Can I Eat?
“When can I eat normal food after a tooth extraction?” At Wells Family Dental Group, we get this question every single day. The good news is, within a few hours after your surgery, you can eat normal soft foods and you will be able to consume beverages, just not with a straw. You will be able to go to Chick-Fil-A, McDonalds, Cook Out or Bojangles in about three or four days. Avoid the hard and crunchy foods for a week. Find out more below.
The painless removal of a tooth is known as a tooth extraction. If your tooth is no longer healthy enough to function effectively or poses a danger to your other teeth or overall health, a dentist at Wells Family Dental Group may recommend a tooth extraction.
Since a tooth extraction is considered a minor oral surgery, you should closely adhere to your dentist’s post-operative instructions if you receive one. By adhering to their instructions, you’ll reduce your risk of a dry socket and infection. If you fail to follow post-operative instructions, you may experience complications which can delay your healing.
One of the most common questions we receive from patients who have just undergone a tooth extraction procedure is “what can I eat?” For at least 24 hours after your procedure, you should only consume soft food and drinks and avoid using a straw.
Some of the best foods to eat immediately after a tooth extraction include yogurt, pudding, and applesauce. These foods are cool and easy to chew and will ensure that you do not feel any pain while you are eating, especially if you chew on the opposite side of the treated area. .
You can ease into a more regular diet once you feel comfortable doing so. However, for about a week, be sure to avoid eating hard and crunchy foods like chips, popcorn, and nuts. If you have difficulty eating hard cuts of meat, you can get your protein through dairy products. Lastly, you should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours following your extraction.
Contact Wells Family Dental Group
If you believe you may be a candidate for a tooth extraction or have further questions about what you can and cannot eat and drink, we encourage you to contact us today at 919-266-5332.
Dr. Brett Wells is the founder of Loren Dental, DentalHQ.com, and Wells Family Dental Group, which was recently awarded the Triangle Business Journal’s “2024 Best Places to Work” recognition. Dr. Wells has more than 20 years of experience practicing general and family dentistry, and has published widely in major medical journals, like Dental Economics and Inside Dentistry, on topics ranging from navigating dental insurance to advice for other dental practices and the impact of PPOs on dentistry. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry and maintains memberships in various professional associations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Dentist Entrepreneur Organization.