50 Soft Foods To Eat After Dental Surgery

Are you wondering when you can eat after dental surgery? It’s a common question that many patients have. Whether you’ve had a filling, a tooth pulled, or an implant placed, knowing what and when to eat is important for a smooth recovery. In this article, we’ll provide you with a definitive guide on post-dental surgery eating, so let’s dive in!

Wait for the Anesthetic to Wear Off

Before you jump into eating, it’s crucial to wait until the anesthetic wears off. Depending on the type used, parts of your mouth can remain numb for three to four hours. Being numb makes it easy to accidentally bite your lip or tongue, especially if work was done on your lower jaw.

Eating After Different Dental Procedures

After getting a white filling or dental sealants, you can eat right away once the anesthetic wears off. These materials set up quickly when exposed to a dental curing light, making them hard and durable. However, if you had a silver amalgam filling, it’s best to wait about twenty-four hours before chewing on it to allow the material to achieve its final strength. If you experience any discomfort in your bite after the anesthetic wears off, contact your dentist as the filling may need adjustment.

For permanent dental crowns, regardless of the material used, you can eat right after placement. However, be cautious with sticky candies like salt water taffy or caramel chews, as they could potentially pull off the crown. Temporarily dental crowns require some care. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods until you receive your permanent crown. Temporary crowns are made of plastic and are not as strong as their permanent counterparts. They are cemented with temporary cement that isn’t as sturdy either.

Eating with Dentures or Partial Dentures

When you first receive dentures or partial dentures, it’s best to start with softer foods until you get used to chewing with them. Then, gradually introduce other foods and observe how it feels.

Eating After a Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction or any type of dental surgery, it’s important to stick to soft foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, and soup. Avoid consuming extremely hot foods or beverages. Also, steer clear of hard, crunchy foods, such as nuts, pretzels, and tough bread crusts, as well as foods with many seeds. These types of foods can hinder the healing process, which typically takes about a week or two. If you have stitches, be careful not to disturb them with your tongue.

Care for Your Implants

After receiving dental implants, avoid chewing on the area until it has sufficiently healed. If you have a healing abutment protruding through your gum or a temporary tooth on the implant, do not exert any pressure on them while they are healing. It’s important not to chew on the temporary tooth or abutment unless your dentist explicitly tells you it’s safe to do so. Failure to follow these instructions could jeopardize the success of the implant.

Eating After a Dental Cleaning

Following a dental cleaning, you can eat right away. However, it’s always nice to enjoy that fresh-mouth feeling for as long as possible before indulging in a meal. If your dentist or dental hygienist applied fluoride varnish to your teeth, stick to soft foods for the first two hours after the application. Additionally, avoid consuming hot liquids, alcohol, and mouthwashes with alcohol for at least six hours. The fluoride varnish can be weakened or dissolved by these substances, reducing its effectiveness.

Remember, these tips are meant to guide you through common dental situations. If you have any specific questions about certain foods or dental procedures, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy eating and take care of your smile!

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