Having your wisdom teeth removed is a rarely discussed topic – many people just assume it will be a routine procedure with minimal after effects. Coffee is part of our daily routine and essential for most of us. For most people, the thought of not having coffee for days or weeks after having your wisdom teeth removed has a lot of people wondering how soon it can be safely enjoyed again.
Although it is not clearly stated how long after the procedure you should wait before drinking coffee, it is important to understand the healing process before consuming it. It is best to consult with an oral surgeon or your dentist regarding the individual situation.
A leading dental practice suggests that it’s best to avoid anything hot or smoking for at least two days following the surgery, and for smokers, for the entire healing process. Coffee may be enjoyed a few days after the surgery, depending on how the healing is progressing. Each individual is different and the care their body needs can differ from person to person.
Drinking coffee too soon after having your wisdom teeth removed can cause unintended problems and lead to further issues. Your body needs time to heal and removing the stitches will be in a slightly different timeframe than being able to drink coffee or perhaps begin smoking. This time is necessary for your body to heal which is why it’s important to listen to your dentist in the time period following wisdom teeth removal.
Another factor that affects the timeline of when you can drink coffee after wisdom teeth removal is the type of surgery you underwent. Generally, if you needed to have a lot of tissue taken out during the surgery and had to have stitches, you may need to wait longer than a few days before enjoying your morning cup of joe. Coffee and other foods and liquids should be kept at a lukewarm temperature and sipped slowly.
The type of anesthetic used will also determine how long you need to wait before being able to drink coffee. If you experienced no complications, you may be able to try drinking coffee just seconds after getting up from the surgery. If local anesthesia was used, it is best to wait for around two weeks before beginning a coffee routine again. That said, each individual experiences different pain levels and it’s important to assess your own situation.
Pain level
It is important to consider the pain level after the procedure when looking at when it is safe to start drinking coffee again. If the pain has not fully gone away, even if it has been a few days after the procedure, then it is important to wait until the swelling and discomfort have gone down.
It is also important to watch out for any issues that could indicate infection. It is not uncommon to experience some bruising and discomfort after a wisdom teeth extraction. If either of these concern you, the best option is to consult your dentist for further instructions.
Surgical Complications
In the case that you experienced any type of complications as a result of the surgery, it is important to wait for at least a month after the surgery to begin drinking coffee again. If the wound was extremely deep and you had to take antibiotics or painkillers, then it is even more important to ensure your body is fully healed before introducing coffee back into your diet.
When considering how long after wisdom teeth removal can you drink coffee, it is important to keep in mind that the healing process for each individual is different. It is important to pay attention to your body, how the surgery was done, consider your pain level, and seek advice from your dentist to determine the best course of action for your circumstance.
Local Anesthetics
If local anesthetics were used during the surgery, it is important to wait a longer period of time before having coffee. This is mainly because your mouth will still be numb for a longer duration, even after the surgery has been completed.
In some cases, it is even recommended that you wait until the anesthetic has completely worn off, or a few weeks after the surgery, before you start drinking coffee again. That way, the facial muscles around the area are not affected by the hot liquid and the wound is fully healed.
Long Term Risks
Finally, even when you have fully healed, it is important to be aware of the potential long-term risks associated with drinking coffee too close to the wisdom teeth extraction. If the wound is not fully healed, drinking hot beverages and smoking can cause inflammation, infection and other issues.
Additionally, drinking coffee and smoking can also cause scarring and discoloration of your gums, which can be a significant issue for some people. As such, it is important to assess your situation thoroughly and consult with your dentist before introducing coffee back into your lifestyle.
