How long does It take for the holes to cover and to be able to eat normal food after wisdom teeth removal? (Photos)

Question

I just had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed on 6/17/13 and had a few questions. When can I have normal food like pizza? When can I drink out of a straw? When will the holes fully cover? Why is there a loose skin on the side of my back molar that was next to my wisdom tooth?

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

You are now three weeks post surgery for removal of your wisdom teeth.  At this point the following would be considered normal.

	1. You can eat normal food.

	2. You can drink through a straw.

	3.  The tissue can take 6-8 weeks to full heal so some "loose" tissue around the tooth in front of the extraction site is normal.

	4.  The "holes" can take up to three months to fully close.  

	5.  There should not be any pain at this point.  If there is discomfort,  I would call the surgeon and ask them to do a quick post op visit for you to ensure proper healing is taking place.

Wm. Randall Cone, Jr., DMD · Answer

It takes approximately 6 weeks for the 3rd molar tooth sockets to fill in with gum tissue.   They heal from the bottom up so it is normal to have a “divot” in the gum tissue for a month or two after surgery.   You can eat anything you like that is comfortable.   I recommend avoiding hard, crunchy foods with lots of bits and crumbs, like chips, nuts, cereal until the sockets are closed and avoid straws for the 1st week after surgery.

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

The time it takes for the hole to fill varies. If the extraction required plenty of tissue removal, then the hole may take longer to fill. However, after all this time, it is unlikely for food to cause a problem as long as you rinse the area after eating. In normal circumstances, you should avoid using a straw for one day only. The tissues around the extraction area may take sometime to get back to normal. Consult with your dentist. Good luck.

Mauricio C. Tijerino, DMD · Answer

Part of the standard of care is that you are explained the post operative instructions. They should have gone over all this with you at the time of the extractions. If not, then you should call and they can provide that for you. If they will not then you should file a complaint with the state dental licenture office.

	Good luck

	Dr. T

Svetlana Novak, DMD · Answer

The opening will take a few months to heal, but by now it is safe to eat "normal" food and drink through the straw.

How long does It take for the holes to cover and to be able to eat normal food after wisdom teeth removal? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: You should call the doctor who performed the surgery for answer to your questions

Answer: You should call the doctor who performed the surgery for answer to your questions

Answer: Eating After Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Answer: Eating After Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Wisdom Teeth Removal

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How long does It take for the holes to cover and to be able to eat normal food after wisdom teeth removal? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: You should call the doctor who performed the surgery for answer to your questions

Answer: You should call the doctor who performed the surgery for answer to your questions

Answer: Eating After Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Answer: Eating After Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Wisdom Teeth Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.