Patients who are well prepared for invasive oral surgery recover faster and more successfully. Your nutrition and nutritional needs after oral surgery are influenced by several factors: your health before the procedure, the procedure you’re having, the impact on your oral function, and your estimated recovery time. A liquid or soft food diet is recommended for a few days or longer after the oral surgery. Fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein are all advised as a nutrient-dense type of food. These foods supply the vitamins and nutrients that your mouth requires to heal. The following treatments that are listed below can result in a soft food diet after surgery, such as:
- Root Canal Treatment
- Extraction of teeth (including Wisdom Teeth)
- Implants for teeth
- Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic)
After these treatments, patients must eat soft foods and refrain from biting or chewing on the affected area. According to the American Association of Endodontists, patients should avoid biting down or chewing after a root canal.
The following is a list of soft food items that can be consumed after oral surgery, such as wisdom tooth extraction or the insertion of a dental implant. Your mouth and jaw may be uncomfortable for a few days after therapy. Consume a wide range of nutritious foods that don’t require chewing.
- Soups with hearty vegetables
- Juices
- Tea with Herbs
- Jell-O
- Yogurt and sorbet (soft or frozen)
- Custard or pudding
- ripe, soft fruits
- Applesauce
- Popsicles
- Milkshakes or ice cream
- cooked fresh vegetables
- Protein shakes or fruit smoothies
- Oatmeal or wheat cream
- Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled or egg salad )
- Potatoes mashed
- Bulgur, quinoa, rice, or couscous
- Tofu
- Noodles with pasta (plain, buttered or with sauce )
- Fish (soft white fish, sole, trout or salmon)
- Creamy cheeses
- cheese cottage
- Meatloaf
- Tostadas (soften by microwaving or steaming)
- Shredded soft-cooked chicken and meat
- Fruit baked or canned (apples or peaches)
- Peanut butter or another nut butter
- Salad with chicken or tuna
- Beans in a can, refried or mashed
- Avocado
- Pancakes
- Spongy bread
- Hummus
It’s also vital to think about the temperature of the meal and beverage, both hot and cold. Consuming hot beverages, for example, while recovering following wisdom tooth removal, can irritate gum tissue and make the recovery process more difficult. Warm food should be consumed rather than piping hot foods. Furthermore, until your oral surgeon enables you to broaden your dietary options, it’s better to stick to colder foods like yogurt.
The following foods should be avoided for the first week after surgery since they can cause pain and slow healing:
- Spicy dishes
- Fruit juices
- Foods that need a lot of chewing (steak and deli meats)
- Crispy foods (popcorn, pretzels and potato chips)
- Cookies, bagels, and crusty bread
- Beverages containing alcohol
Starting with clear fluids on the day of surgery is recommended, such as juices, broth, tea and Jell-O. You can gradually add more substantial foods as your recovery progresses.
To know more information on what you need and not to eat after your oral surgery, ask your Airdrie dentist at Sierra Springs Dental, and they are willing to give you tips and advice to help you recover. Call us at 403-945-4555 today to book an appointment. We would be happy to accommodate you!
