Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Eating, Healing, and Concerns Explained

Wisdom Tooth Concerns

Hello, Dentist! I recently had a wisdom tooth extracted and the stitches have been removed.
The dentist said I can eat normally, but I'm still worried that eating normally might cause food to get stuck in the wound and lead to infection or inflammation.
Can I really eat normally? Should I apply a warm compress after the stitches are removed? How long does it typically take for the wisdom tooth extraction site to fully heal? Additionally, I have another wisdom tooth on the lower left that is horizontally impacted but hasn't erupted.
The dentist told me not to rush into extraction and to wait until it comes in, but I've read online that horizontally impacted wisdom teeth should be removed.
This has left me a bit confused, especially since I haven't experienced any pain so far!

Zhen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/06

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Generally, after wisdom tooth extraction, stitches are removed about a week later.
Although the extraction site may not be completely filled with bone tissue, soft tissue has already filled the socket.
It is advisable to avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent them from getting lodged in the wound, which could lead to infection or inflammation.
The bone tissue at the extraction site typically takes about 1 to 2 months to fully fill in.
For a horizontally impacted lower left wisdom tooth, it is generally not easy for it to erupt, as it may be obstructed by the second molar.
However, if the patient is 18 years old and there are no acute inflammatory symptoms associated with the wisdom tooth, it may be reasonable to observe whether it has the potential to fully erupt.

Reply Date: 2016/02/06

More Info

After having a wisdom tooth extracted, it's completely normal to have concerns about eating, healing, and potential complications. Let's break down your questions and provide some clarity on the matter.

Eating After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
1. Normal Eating: After your stitches have been removed, your dentist may have indicated that you can return to a normal diet. However, it's essential to approach this with caution. While you can eat regular foods, it's advisable to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could dislodge any healing tissue or get stuck in the extraction site. Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are excellent choices during the initial healing phase. If you do eat solid foods, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to minimize pressure on the extraction site.

2. Food Getting Stuck: Your concern about food getting stuck in the extraction site is valid. To mitigate this risk, you can rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after meals to help cleanse the area. Avoid vigorous rinsing, as this can disturb the healing tissue. If you notice any discomfort or persistent food particles lodged in the area, consult your dentist for advice.

Healing Process
1. Heat Application: After the stitches are removed, heat application is generally not necessary unless advised by your dentist. Instead, you might consider using a warm compress if you experience swelling or discomfort. Cold packs are typically recommended in the first 24-48 hours post-extraction to reduce swelling.

2. Healing Duration: The healing time for a wisdom tooth extraction can vary from person to person. Generally, soft tissue healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks, while complete bone healing can take several months. It's crucial to follow your dentist's aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing.

Concerns About Remaining Wisdom Tooth
1. Horizontal Wisdom Tooth: Regarding your left lower wisdom tooth that is horizontally positioned but not yet erupted, your dentist's advice to wait is common. Many dentists prefer to monitor such teeth, especially if they are not causing pain or other issues. The concern with horizontally impacted wisdom teeth is that they can lead to complications such as infection, cyst formation, or damage to adjacent teeth. If your dentist believes that monitoring is appropriate, they may suggest regular check-ups to assess the tooth's status.

2. When to Consider Extraction: If the tooth begins to cause pain, swelling, or other dental issues, it may be time to reconsider extraction. It's essential to maintain open communication with your dentist regarding any changes in your symptoms or concerns about the tooth.

Conclusion
In summary, while you can generally return to a normal diet after wisdom tooth extraction, it’s wise to be cautious about the types of foods you consume. Maintain good oral hygiene, and don't hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you have any concerns about your healing process or the status of your remaining wisdom tooth. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly, keeping your oral health in check.

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