Common oral surgery procedures such as tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal, and the fitting of dental implants require you to watch what you eat and drink after the surgery — but choosing the right food and drink can be a challenging task.
Since you might be temporarily incapacitated after your oral surgery procedure due to anesthesia, it is possible you will not be able to drive or travel to buy food. Be sure to prepare ahead of time by purchasing foods that you will be able to eat in the days, and sometimes weeks, after surgery. Although your oral surgeon will take you through the basic foods and beverages you are allowed to consume, consider this guide as a checklist of what to eat and, more importantly, what not to eat.
Staying hydrated is crucial after any major or minor surgery. Sip on a little more water than your normal daily amount to flush food particles away from the affected area. Drinking fluids following oral surgery will also speed up the healing process and help to prevent conditions like dry socket.
However, when drinking liquids, do so by sipping on a cup or bottle. Do not use a straw, as the suction could dislodge any dressings on the wound.
Dentists recommend soft foods that are easily ingestible. These include:
Although smoothies are a great option for your recovery period, steer clear of blending fruits with small seeds. Blackberries and strawberries have seeds that can get stuck in open wounds and cause complications. Also, consider adding protein powder to smoothies for a nutritional boost.
Mashed vegetables such as peas, carrots and butternut squash are a soft and nutritious substitute for carbohydrate-heavy mashed potatoes.
Greek yogurt is a healthy food that is high in protein. The protein kicks your recovery into high gear and aids in healing. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals like zinc and calcium.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is usually prohibited following any procedure. Alcohol can interfere with postoperative medication and can cause dehydration, which in turn slows the healing process.
Grains like rice can get wedged into the wound, much like the small seeds in strawberries. If you are craving carbohydrates, go with a softer option like macaroni and cheese.
After oral surgery, you will need to choose foods that are soft, packed with protein and rich in nutrients. Drink lots of water, and try to avoid beverages that will dehydrate you. Certain salty foods can cause dehydration as well, so steer clear of foods that are high in sodium. Prepare for oral surgery by stocking your kitchen with these foods, and plenty of water, to make sure your recovery goes smoothly.
Request an appointment here: https://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 387-1216 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Surgery.
Oral surgery refers to a wide range of dental procedures, from simple to complex. Some people assume that an oral surgeon performs all dental surgeries. However, this is only sometimes the case. General dentists frequently perform surgical procedures, and this blog takes a closer look at some common surgical procedures general dentists perform.While dentists can…
Preparing for a tooth filling? Tooth fillings, also known as dental fillings, are one of the most common restorations used in dentistry. They are used to literally fill a tooth once infected areas have been removed. Long ago, tooth fillings were only offered in a couple of select materials; however, modern-day technology has allowed for…
Gum disease is very serious, and without treatment, it can be detrimental to one's overall health. The severity of the infection determines the treatment options. When experiencing any signs of gum disease, it can be helpful to review the following information to prepare for what to expect from the treatment process.Outlined below are four different gum…
Invisalign® clear aligners are popular for a number of reasons—one being their incredible versatility. For example, they can be removed for a couple of hours daily, allowing patients to drink coffee without worrying about staining the aligners. Read on to learn more important guidelines for using this clear aligner system for straightening teeth.The short answer…
Oral surgery refers to a wide range of dental procedures, from simple to complex. Some people assume that an oral surgeon performs all dental surgeries. However, this is only sometimes the case. General dentists frequently perform surgical procedures, and this blog takes a closer look at some common surgical procedures general dentists perform.While dentists can…
Preparing for a tooth filling? Tooth fillings, also known as dental fillings, are one of the most common restorations used in dentistry. They are used to literally fill a tooth once infected areas have been removed. Long ago, tooth fillings were only offered in a couple of select materials; however, modern-day technology has allowed for…