Wisdom teeth -- also called third molars, are located at the back of the mouth. There are four wisdom teeth: one located at the top and bottom on each side. Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth begin to grow in late teenage years or early adult years. While growing, the gums in that area will split to make room for the teeth to grow. The area near and around the wisdom teeth can become sore and swollen. To prevent further inflammation and infection, a dentist may suggest removing the wisdom teeth. Removal requires the administration of anesthesia, and the gums may be stitched together to facilitate healing. Treatment includes oral hygiene and general diet guidelines. However, you should follow the specific diet instructions given by your surgeon.
I have included pictures, I know they may not be very good pictures. But I am so paranoid and scared of getting a dry socket. On the back tooth there is a spit bubble lol. But I wondered if my extraction site looks like it is healing healthy. I appreciate any and all responses. The pain, swelling and discomfort that follows wisdom tooth extraction is a normal part of the healing process. How long is wisdom teeth recovery time?
Watch your diet. You'll want to wait until the anesthesia has completely worn off before attempting to ingest food. Start with soft foods, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth as the extraction site. You may want to eat something cold and soft, like ice cream, to soothe the pain and provide you with some nourishment. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, crumbly, or hot, and do not use a straw, as this may dislodge a blood clot from your gums.[10]- Eat regularly and don’t skip meals.
- Eat food that is at room temperature or cold, but never warm or hot.
- Eat soft and mild-cold food like ice cream, smoothies, pudding, gelatin, yogurt, and soups. These are good especially immediately after an extraction because they soothe discomfort caused by the procedure. Make sure that what you eat isn’t too cold or hard, and that you don’t chew on the extraction area. Hard-to-chew foods (e.g. cereal, nuts, popcorn, etc.) can be painful and difficult to eat, and may injure the wound. Gradually change your food from liquids to semisolids to solids as the first few days pass.
- Avoid straws. Drinking with a straw creates suction pressure within the mouth, which may cause bleeding. Sip or use a spoon instead to avoid this complication.
- Avoid spicy food, sticky food, hot drinks, caffeine products, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
- Avoid tobacco/alcohol for at least 24 hours after extraction.