How Long After a Tooth Extraction Can I Eat?

Tooth extractions are a common oral surgery procedure. When teeth are impacted, meaning they are stuck under the gums, removal requires minor surgery. 

If you have an upcoming tooth extraction procedure, you may be wondering how long it will be before you can eat. Here’s a guide to eating after a tooth extraction. 

Avoid Chewing While Numb 

Local anesthesia is typically used for a tooth extraction, which can cause your mouth to be numb in the area of the procedure. If you accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue while numb you may not be aware of it. You can do some serious damage to the soft tissues of your mouth this way, so it is best to avoid eating anything that requires chewing until the numbness wears off. 

Start With Liquids and Soft Foods

Even after the numbness wears off, you may still be sore in the area where your tooth was extracted. It is best to drink liquids and eat soft foods that don’t require any chewing. Examples include: 

• Water
• Juice 
• Milk 
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Broth or soup without chunks
• Pudding
• Jello
• Cottage cheese 
• Oatmeal 

Avoid Drinking From a Straw 

It is important to avoid using a straw for the first week and up to two weeks after your tooth extraction procedure. The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot in the socket where the tooth was removed, resulting in a condition called dry socket. The bone and nerves are exposed due to the lack of blood clot, causing discomfort and slowing the healing process. 

Work Up to More Solid Foods 

After the first 24-48 hours you may be ready to eat more solid foods. Start with soft foods that require only minimal chewing, such as: 

• Scrambled eggs
• Pasta 
• Vegetables cooked soft 
• Bananas, mashed if necessary
• Soup with small, soft pieces of solid food 
• Cheese
• Soft bread 
• Thin lunch meat 

When Can I Expect To Be Fully Healed? 

It may take a few weeks before the tissues that were affected by your procedure are fully healed. If stitches were necessary, they typically dissolve on their own by the time you have healed. Most patients experience mild discomfort for just a few days following their procedure and quickly return to normal. You may need to be careful when brushing your teeth to avoid the area where your tooth was extracted until complete healing has taken place. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction 

What type of anesthesia is required for surgical tooth extraction? 

In some cases teeth can be extracted using just local anesthesia. However, in cases where the teeth are impacted and more difficult to remove, sedation may be recommended to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient. IV sedation is commonly used for wisdom teeth extraction. 

What can I do to accelerate my recovery? 

The best way to recover from a tooth extraction procedure is to take it easy at first and pay attention to how you feel. Apply ice to the face near the extraction site, not inside your mouth. Eat a diet rich in nutrients and protein to fuel your body’s healing process.