Post wisdom tooth removal questions

[catinabox]

Hello,

Just had my two left lower and upper wisdom teeth (retained) roots removed yesterday so I'm just over the 24 hour mark now. There were only the roots, no teeth, and in the end they didn't have to cut the gum.
So far I've managed to eat yogurt, milkshake, ice-cream, mac and cheese, mash and scrambled egg.
I'm just wondering in regards to the healing process, when is it actually safe to have hot coffee or hot food? Should I be avoiding it for a week or so? Can I at least have iced coffee or is that bad as well? I heard caffeine can interfere with the healing process.

I'm doing my best to avoid dry socket or infection, just because I'm so anxious but I'm also finding myself exhausted due to lack of good food and wanting hot coffee since it's so cold here right now.

When can I move on to slightly more solid but soft foods ie bread, croissants, cakes, pasta etc? I'm not sure if the risk is higher with wisdom teeth removals vs normal tooth extraction so figured it worth asking. Also how long before using straws etc?

Thanks

 

[letsconnect]

Hi @catinabox, have you seen this page:

Healing after Tooth Removal

What should you do following tooth extractions? Find out about the healing process, and the do's and don'ts for a speedy recovery.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

You should be able to find answers to most of your questions there.

Usually it's fine to eat more solid foods within 2 or 3 days, but everyone heals at a different pace and some extractions are more complex than others so just listen to your body

 

[catinabox]

Thank you, this helped slightly but I guess I'm wondering when it's safe to have hot coffee again. Since I had two roots extracted I've had minimal pain so far and very minor swelling, but I obviously don't want to upset the area by getting a dry socket (which I know can be a risk for lower wisdom tooth extractions + the fact I'm a woman). I don't smoke, which probably helps, and I've been eating on the other side and attempting to do salt water rinses where possible.

But I don't recall from my previous extraction when it was safe to have coffee or hot food (at a normal hot temperature). Also is it a myth that caffeine slows healing? Can it cause dry socket?

 

[letsconnect]

You can have coffee or hot food at a normal hot temperature anytime, just make sure you don't burn yourself i.e. no scalding food/drinks. Never heard of caffeine slowing healing or causing dry socket.

 

[Gordon]

Also is it a myth that caffeine slows healing? Can it cause dry socket?

Yes. No.
Dry sockets start showing symptoms almost as soon as the local wears off. You've got no chance of getting one now

 

[catinabox]

You can have coffee or hot food at a normal hot temperature anytime, just make sure you don't burn yourself i.e. no scalding food/drinks. Never heard of caffeine slowing healing or causing dry socket.

Thanks! For some reason everywhere I read says to be careful about hot food and drinks. I saw some references to research regarding caffeine slowing wound healing and I've seen it mentioned frequently how heat can cause dry socket (or bleeding at least).

Yes. No.
Dry sockets start showing symptoms almost as soon as the local wears off. You've got no chance of getting one now

I don't know why there's so much (mis)information? out there about caffeine slowing healing lol, but the main one was heat causing dry socket or bleeding at least due to irritation to the wounds. Even my leaflet recommended to stay away from hot food and drinks for at least 48 hours - but I read online that most dentists recommend up to 5-7 days before having hot coffee. I had a single shot iced latte tonight so that's something at least but I can't wait to get back to my regular hot cappuccinos.

 

[catinabox]

Oh, I forgot to ask:

How soon am I meant to be brushing that extraction area? I'm 80 hours post op now. I've been brushing most of my mouth but I honestly get scared to go too near it as I don't wanna cause any pain or open the wound back up, and I'm doing salt rinses as often as poss, but it doesn't really give you an indication of when you should actually be brushing it (for example, how many days before the wound is unlikely to bleed/be irritated?)

 

[Gordon]

Gently brushing after 24hrs is absolutely fine.

but I read online that most dentists recommend up to 5-7 days before having hot coffee

Honestly never heard of any dentist who did that!
I usually warn people not to burn their mouths with hot drinks while they're still numb, but that's about it.

 

[catinabox]

Thanks!! Have decided to just go for it and currently sipping a really nice hot coffee, and seems fine so far! Also not had painkillers yet today so going good!