When Can You Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

when can i eat after wisdom tooth extraction

Wisdom tooth removal is among the most common dental surgeries. Although the service is standard, many patients ask, “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” People need to eat, but it can be difficult after losing one to four teeth. 

We provide wisdom teeth removal in Surrey at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery. Consult our guide below to learn about eating during your recovery time after having your wisdom teeth removed. 

Do You Have To Stop Eating After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

After removing your wisdom teeth, you’ll experience swelling and pain around your mouth and cheeks. The inflammation and discomfort will make eating difficult, but not impossible.

When asking, “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” understand that your diet will change as your recovery progresses. You should be able to safely consume liquids and soft foods, such as pudding or broth, within 24 hours of your procedure. 

For days two and three, you can incorporate more filling, easy-to-eat foods into your meals. Options include scrambled eggs, soft pasta, and mashed potatoes. From days four to seven, you can progress to other soft foods, such as shredded chicken and soft-cooked vegetables. 

Failing to be mindful of your eating habits and oral hygiene practices can lead to dry socket at the extraction site. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms around the extraction site to protect it from bacteria falls off prematurely. An untreated dry socket can trigger an infection due to food debris and bacteria filling the tooth hole. 

Acceptable Foods To Eat Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction

As you might expect, not all foods and beverages are acceptable to consume immediately after a tooth extraction. Most oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend a liquid-based or soft-food diet immediately following the procedure.

The idea is to consume items that are easy to swallow and require little to no chewing. Examples include:

  • Yogurt
  • Applesauce
  • Ice cream
  • Eggs
  • Jelly
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Soft vegetables

As you progress with your recovery, you can start incorporating semi-soft foods like beef and pasta into your meal plan. However, if your mouth is still too tender for chewing food, you can stay on your soft-food diet a few days longer.

Which Foods and Drinks Can Impede Your Healing Process?

Some foods are more likely than others to cause dry socket, pain, and prolonged healing. For instance, crunchy, crumbly, or spicy foods can irritate the extraction wound or dislodge the blood clot too soon. The same rule applies to the following:

  • Seeds
  • Foods with grains
  • Soft drinks
  • Hot food
  • Caffeinated drinks

Eating Habits To Avoid After Losing Your Wisdom Teeth

You know the answer to “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” but knowing when to eat isn’t enough. If you want your extraction wounds to heal fully without complications, you should temporarily change these eating and drinking habits along with your diet:

  • Alcohol consumption: It’s best to stop drinking alcohol while healing from the dental extraction, as the alcohol can irritate the soft tissues in your mouth and interfere with your medications.
  • Eating spicy or acidic foods: Spices and acids can sting your already-sensitive mouth, which affects your pain management strategy.
  • Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or using any tobacco product following a tooth removal can cause infections and slow your healing. 
  • Drinking with a straw: Using a straw can dislodge the blood clot at your dental wound, leaving the site vulnerable to infection.

Potential Warning Signs of Dental Extraction Complications

You should expect to feel some pain and discomfort immediately following wisdom tooth extraction. Most people can resume eating normally by the third or fourth week following the procedure. However, persistent pain can indicate another problem. 

Other warning signs of trouble after a wisdom tooth removal include:

  • Increasing pain: Prolonged pain could mean you’re healing slower than expected. 
  • Ongoing bleeding: If your mouth continues to bleed hours after surgery, the wound may not be clotting properly. 
  • Foul smell or taste: A lingering odor or taste may indicate a dry socket or infection.

Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction? We Can Help

Whether you have an impacted or infected wisdom tooth, a dentist may need to remove it. If that happens, your answer to “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” is a few hours after surgery. Your diet will consist of liquids and soft foods at first and shift to more solid foods after five days. 

Do you need wisdom tooth extraction in Surrey? Our professionals at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery can handle the procedure and guide you through every phase, including recovery. To schedule a consultation, call (604) 507-0514.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

how long do dental implants last

Patients at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery often ask, “How long do dental implants last?” and we’d like to provide a clear explanation to help you choose the right tooth replacement option with confidence. 

If you’re considering dental implants in Surrey, British Columbia, here’s what you should expect from your investment.   

Understand What Makes Implant Construction So Durable

Dental implants consist of three parts that work together to provide a stable replacement for a natural tooth:

  • The titanium post supports the restoration. 
  • The abutment connects the post and the crown. 
  • The crown provides the visible chewing surface and completes the restoration. 

Titanium integrates with the jaw over time, strengthening the post and forming a reliable base for the crown. This design creates the foundation for dental implant lifespans that stretch well beyond what bridges or dentures usually offer.

Learn Why Most Implants Deliver Decades of Service

Evidence from long-term studies shows extremely high rates of implant success. Many patients keep their implants for 20+ years. 

People typically enjoy long-lasting dental implants throughout their lifetime when they regularly follow a home care routine and partner with trusted professionals for regular checkups. Research and clinical experience in Surrey show consistent results for people who maintain good habits.

Recognize the Key Factors That Influence Your Outcome

Your overall health, daily habits, and oral environment influence dental implant durability. 

Smoking interferes with healing and increases the risk of complications, while uncontrolled diabetes reduces blood flow and affects tissue recovery. Bruxism (teeth grinding) places excessive pressure on the crown and post, and bone density, gum health, and precise surgical planning also shape the long-term outlook. 

Skilled clinicians use advanced imaging, proven implant systems, and careful bite design to support each patient’s personal success.

Prepare for the Rare Issues That May Develop Over Time

Implants usually perform well, although early inflammation or deeper infection can occur when plaque builds around the gums. 

Good home care resolves mild inflammation. More advanced infection requires evaluation, cleaning, and targeted treatment. Mechanical issues may appear, such as loose screws or chipped crowns. 

Experienced clinicians address these problems quickly and prevent further damage.

Follow a Practical Plan That Protects Your Investment

A strong dental implant maintenance routine keeps your implants healthy. Daily cleaning with a soft brush supports gum health and prevents inflammation. Interdental brushes or a water flosser can remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas, and night guards protect implants from grinding. 

Regular hygiene visits allow professionals to monitor bone levels and maintain long-term stability. This combination of home care and professional oversight supports the longest possible lifespan of different types of dental implants.

Contact New England Oral and Cosmetic Facial Surgery To Take the Next Step With a Trusted Surrey Dental Implant Team

So, how long do dental implants last? Local patients value the benefits of dental implants, including their longevity. Modern treatment planning and high-quality materials deliver predictable results for people in Surrey and around British Columbia.  

To learn more, contact New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery at (604) 507-0514. Our team can review your goals, evaluate your oral health, and recommend a plan that supports strong outcomes for many years to come.

Worried You May Have an Infected Wisdom Tooth?

Smiling young woman at a dental checkup while a gloved dentist holds a dental mirror near her mouth.

If you are concerned that you could have an infected wisdom tooth, be sure to contact the office of your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. This is not the type of thing that you would want to wait around for to see if it gets better on it’s own. Plus, it goes without saying that this sort of thing can become quite painful…sometimes unbearable.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to provide you with a concrete diagnosis to put your mind at ease, one way or the other.  And if you need antibiotics, they can write you a prescription so you can get moving on the path to healing.

What are the signs that may indicate that you have an infection?

  • Pain where the tooth is
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Throat pain
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Jaw pain
  • Swelling of your face and/or jaw
  • Bad breath
  • Unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Pus drainage

Will You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If you have an infection, it can get cleared up with antibiotics, of course … but your dentist may recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed to prevent future problems.

If you are located in the Surrey area, come see us at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery! Call us at 604-507-0514.

Have You Heard of Bone Grafting?

Smiling dentist showing a tablet to a female patient in the dental chair as they review information together.

People get bone grafting when they don’t have enough jawbone volume needed to support dental implants.

Why may some people experience loss of jawbone volume?

Reasons include:

  • Tooth removal
  • Gum disease
  • Some type of dental of physical injury

And not only do they need to have enough jawbone … it also needs to be placed in the right location and be of the proper height and width. Many patients who lack sufficient jawbone for dental implants may benefit from bone grafting in Surrey, BC, to create a strong foundation for a successful implant procedure.

With bone grafting, you can:

  • Limit or prevent bone recession
  • Stabilize and help restore the foundation of your jaw
  • Correct deformities
  • Restructure the bone to gain added support

So as you can see, your dreams of natural looking teeth via dental implants can still be a reality if lack of jawbone volume!  Call us to book a consultation and be one step closer to smiling with confidence.

Do You Get Migraines? Botox May Help!

Black-and-white close-up of a woman pressing her temples with a pained expression, indicating a headache or facial tension.

No one is a fan of headaches, let alone a migraine. If you get migraines, you have likely searched high and low for anything and everything to ease your pain.

Did you know that Botox works as a remedy for some people with chronic migraines?

(Chronic = getting around 15 headaches per month, with about half of those being classified as migraines or clusters.)

You’re probably thinking “I thought Botox was just used for wrinkles and anti-aging?!”

Studies have been conducted which have shown that Botox has effectively cut down the number of headaches for migraine-sufferers, including allowing them “pain-free” days, overall. It apparently works by blocking neurotransmitters, which carry pain signals from your brain, stopping the chemicals before they get to the nerve endings around your head and neck. Kind of like a roadblock.

Where is the Botox placed?

The Botox injections are placed around your head and neck area. The number of injections varies, but you may get 30 to 40, on average. People often see results two to three weeks after treatment.

Be sure to receive these injections from a doctor who is trained specifically for this reason and book a consultation to ask them all questions you may have about it.

What if I just want an appointment in Surrey for Botox for anti-aging purposes?

As for being proactive in your anti-aging regimen to prevent wrinkles, as well as for smoothing out your skin where wrinkles currently exist, come see us at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery! Botox is sure to boost your confidence and make you appear more rested and youthful!

Book an appointment today for Botox in Surrey: 604-507-0514.

Are You Worried About The Thought of Getting Dental Implants?

Relaxed, smiling woman seated in a dental chair, turning toward the camera in a modern treatment room.

So, you’re worried about getting dental implants? Sure, the idea of getting dental implants can seem overwhelming, but let us assure you that it’s a pretty minor procedure. Everything is mapped out ahead of time, all of your questions are answered, and you will be in the hands of a professional dental surgeon.

People often get anxiety thinking about the pain level, but your surgeon will numb the area with local anesthesia. That means that you will be awake, comfortable, and aware, without having to worry about being put to sleep. You can also ask your surgeon for an anti-anxiety pill or sedative to help you feel calm.

You don’t have to stress about the pain after the oral implant surgery is complete because most people find ibuprofen or aspirin to be adequate for managing any discomfort.

Dental implant sites heal quickly and successfully. A few weeks after your surgery date, your bone integration will take place, your surgeon will attach the crown, and then you’ll be set with the dream smile you always wanted!

Ready to take the plunge? Contact us for a consultation for dental implants in Surrey: 604-507-0514.

Ways to BOOST Your Confidence in 2021

A practitioner applying a handheld treatment device to a woman’s face during a cosmetic facial procedure.

Have you been thinking about getting some type of anti-aging treatment or cosmetic facial procedure for a while? Why keep putting it off? Let 2021 be your year to finally take the plunge!

In addition to a healthy diet and fitness routine, there are many ways you can boost your self-esteem and feel ‘refreshed’:

  1. Get Botox injections and say so long to crows feet, laugh lines, and worry lines. You’ll look more youthful and rested within 7 to 10 days!
  2. Reduce or possibly eliminate deep wrinkles with Juvederm facial filler.
  3. Eliminate that nagging double chin with the revolutionary Belkyra.
  1. Choose high quality cosmetics with Vitamins and AHAs to stimulate new collagen and soften the appearance of fine lines. At New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery, we carry the Obaji Nu-Derm Skin Care System – check it out!
  2. Plump up your lips with lip enhancement. It’s amazing what a difference this can make to your smile and overall profile.
  3. Book a consultation for cheek implants, a chin implant, or jaw profile surgery. You don’t have to commit right on the spot…you can just get the information and think about it.
  4. If poor sleep is affecting how rested and confident you feel, exploring sleep apnea treatment in Surrey, BC, can dramatically improve energy levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

For all of your anti-aging and cosmetic facial procedure needs in Surrey, BC, rely on New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery. Call us today at: 604-507-0514.

What Can I Do for a Double Chin?

A close-up comparison of lower facial profiles showing differences in chin and jawline definition, representing facial rejuvenation and contouring.

Feeling hopeless if you have a double chin? We have the answer…AND it’s permanent. It’s called Belkyra!

What is Belkyra?

Belkyra is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is a type of substance that occurs naturally in your body. It has the ability to get rid of your fat cell membranes. 

How Does it Work?

Belkyra is injected and then the fat is then released and eliminated naturally from your body. Those fat cells do not come back after they are destroyed. (However, please note that if you gain weight, your body will produce more fat cells. Therefore, you still need to make healthy eating and fitness a top priority.

Oh, and did we mention it can be done in just a few minutes?!

Call us to book an appointment today for Belkya in Surrey & surrounding areas: 604-507-0514.

5 Reasons to Get Dental Implants

A dental shade guide held in gloved hands beneath a smiling patient’s teeth to compare tooth colors for dental implant restorations.

Are you insecure about your smile? Do you have damaged or missing teeth?  Dental implants may be the perfect solution for you!

Why are dental implants a great choice?

(1) They are made to match your natural teeth. No one would even know you have dental implants!

(2) They feel, fit, and function like real teeth.  Plus, they’re super strong and durable.

(3) They will not interfere with the shape of your face, jawline, or smile.

(4) They’re always in place, unlike dentures that can fall out or get loose.

(5) You cannot get cavities in them.

Overall, oral implants will renew your confidence and make you feel great.

Call us to book a consultation with our oral surgeon in Surrey today! What have you got to lose?

Not Enough Jawbone Volume to Get Dental Implants?

Senior Patient Admiring Smile

As you know, there is no better solution for missing teeth than dental implants. They replace your missing roots and support the artificial teeth. This results in having the closest possible thing to real teeth.

However, in order for your dental surgeon to be able to provide you with dental implants, you need to have enough jawbone to support them. This adequate amount of jawbone needs to be in the right location, and of proper width and height.

Why don’t some people have enough jawbone?

  • Injury – if you have suffered with an infection or a blow to your jaw, it can cause your bone to recede
  • A bad case of periodontal disease (gum disease) – this can permanently damage your and lead to instability of the teeth
  • Tooth removal – if you have had teeth extracted, you may have lost bone in this area…also known as a “bone defect”Good news! There is a solution!The solution is called “bone grafting”. This procedure restores your receded or damaged jawbone by increasing the height and width of your jawbone. Basically, it fills in the voids and defects in your bone.

    What does bone grafting do?

  • Corrects deformities
  • Stabilizes and helps restore the foundation of the jaw
  • Restructures your bone to provide added support
  • Limits or prevents bone recession
    If you are interested to come in for a consultation for bone grafting and/or dental implants in Surrey, please call us: 604-507-0514    . You’ll be one step closer to having the smile of your dreams!