How long after a tooth extraction can I eat?
When a tooth is severely damaged, it may require extraction, and proper care after extraction is equally important. Firstly, dietary considerations are crucial. Immediately after tooth extraction, one should not eat immediately. In most cases, it is necessary to wait for at least two hours before eating. Moreover, when eating, avoid warm or hard foods.
1.
You can eat about two hours after extraction. Eating too early may affect the healing of the extraction socket. After approximately two hours, the blood clot in the extraction socket tends to be stable, allowing for the consumption of cool and soft foods. It is best to eat liquid or semi-liquid foods to avoid affecting the healing of the extraction site due to excessive chewing.
2.
The anesthetic effect typically wears off after about two hours of extraction, allowing you to eat. If the anesthetic effect is still present, you should not eat. If you do eat, opt for cold and liquid foods, as cool foods can cause vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction aids in hemostasis, reduces swelling and pain, and minimizes trauma to the wound. Avoid rough foods that may irritate and hinder the healing of the wound.
3.
The anesthetic effect wears off relatively quickly after extraction, and the surgical time is not long. For minor extractions with minimal trauma, medication is not required. However, if you experience pain or discomfort after wisdom tooth or complex extraction, please follow your doctor's instructions for pain relievers and antibiotics. Post-surgical swelling may occur to varying degrees, and it is recommended to apply ice within 24 hours. The swelling typically subsides gradually after three days.
