Having wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure, and a frequent concern among patients is whether they can swallow afterward. Swallowing is possible and an expected part of recovery. While some discomfort is normal due to the surgical site, swallowing usually does not harm the healing area. This guide will clarify what to expect and how to manage your recovery effectively.
Immediate Swallowing Experience
Following wisdom tooth removal, you can expect certain sensations when swallowing. Soreness around the extraction site and possibly in the throat is common due to swelling and pressure from the procedure. Bruising of throat muscles, irritation, or minor nerve damage can also contribute to this discomfort.
You might notice slight difficulty, and stitches or gauze can feel unusual. A small amount of blood mixed with saliva is normal in the initial hours. The discomfort and swelling typically peak within the first 24 to 48 hours, gradually decreasing over the following days.
Tips for Easier Swallowing
To make swallowing more comfortable and support a safe recovery, begin with soft, cool, and non-chewy foods. Options like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies are recommended as they require minimal chewing and are gentle on surgical sites. Blended soups and broths, served lukewarm or cold, can also provide essential nutrients and hydration without irritating the area.
Avoid hot liquids, very cold foods, and anything requiring significant chewing, such as crunchy or spicy items. These can disrupt healing or dislodge the protective blood clot. To stay hydrated, sip water directly from a cup instead of using a straw. The sucking motion can create negative pressure, potentially dislodging the blood clot and leading to dry socket.
If pain medication has been prescribed, timing its intake to coincide with meals can help manage discomfort during eating. Applying an ice pack externally to your cheek for 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off during the first 24 hours can reduce swelling, alleviating some swallowing difficulties. After the initial 24 hours, gentle rinsing with a warm saltwater solution can help keep the area clean.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort is expected after wisdom tooth removal, certain signs warrant immediate contact with your dentist. Severe or worsening pain not managed by prescribed medication, especially if it intensifies after the first few days, could indicate a complication like dry socket or infection. Excessive bleeding not stopping with sustained pressure, or persistent bleeding beyond the first few hours, requires urgent attention.
Signs of infection, such as high fever, chills, pus, or foul-smelling discharge from the surgical site, should be reported promptly. Swelling persisting or increasing after two to three days, rather than gradually subsiding, indicates concern. Difficulty opening the mouth widely (trismus) preventing adequate nutrition or hydration, or numbness lasting longer than expected from local anesthesia, necessitates a call to your dentist.