Many people suffering from chronic toothaches or from wisdom teeth eruption seek to undergo wisdom tooth surgery. This type of procedure is conducted by an oral surgeon, and its purpose is to remove impacted wisdom teeth and reduce the chances of future dental health problems. The hope of many patients is that their surgery may alleviate their pain and discomfort, and for some, getting back to drinking coffee sooner than later is also a wish. In this article, we will discuss when can you safely drink coffee after wisdom teeth surgery, as well as advise you what should be done in order to maximize the chances of speedy recovery.
The removal of the impacted wisdom teeth requires that the surgeon make incisions in the gums, which may include the cutting of the bone underlying the gums. After the procedure is complete, it is expected that some swelling and pain will manifest in the surrounding area. The after effects of undergoing this type of surgery can still be felt one week after the procedure, and in general, a person may experience discomfort in the jaw area and lips, alteration of taste and even changes in appetite until three weeks following the surgery.
The time in which one can have coffee after wisdom teeth surgery depends on the person’s general healing process. Coffee, for the most part, is considered to be safe to drink a few days after the surgery, as long as the person does not experience any post-operative symptoms, such as swelling and discomfort. Nevertheless, hot coffee can potentially irritate the area and worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is best to wait until the person feels comfortable having coffee. Drinking lukewarm coffee should not pose a problem as long as the individual feels no ill effects.
In order to ensure proper healing, it is best if the individual refrains from consuming any types of beverages that are too hot or too cold, as these can potentially cause irritation or further inflammation due to the surgical site. Moreover, to reduce the chances of infection and to keep the area clean, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with saline solution twice a day, apply ice packs to the wounds, refrain from exercise or any kind of physical movement that places stress on the jaw and take any prescribed medications.
Overall, it is best to follow the advice of the oral surgeon and stick to consuming lukewarm coffee three or four days after wisdom teeth surgery. Although coffee is safe to drink in pretty much any form after surgery, it is still recommended to drink only lukewarm coffee and essentially follow the post-operative instructions set out by the doctor if a speedy recovery is desired.
Managing the Symptoms
The typical symptoms associated with post-operative wisdom teeth surgery are swelling and discomfort. Painkillers are often prescribed to alleviate the pain, but it is possible to manage these symptoms with other remedies. Applying cold compresses to the outside of cheeks can reduce any swelling, and for any pain that is experienced, taking warm saltwater rinses can help. Also, when sleeping, it is recommended to keep the head elevated with a few extra pillows so as to reduce any post-surgery swelling. As another measure to reduce the symptoms, it is advised to skip eating any hard or crunchy foods.
When it comes to the care of the teeth, it is important to keep the oral cavity as clean as possible by brushing the teeth and flossing gently in order to reduce the chances of infection. Also, it is suggested to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of infection as well as to avoid smoking, using a straw and putting pressure on the area by eating hard crunchy foods.
Managing the Stress
Having a wisdom teeth surgery done is a very serious procedure that can be highly stressful for the individual. To reduce the stress surrounding the procedure it is important to be prepared for the surgery and to have all the essential materials that will make the individual more comfortable such as extra pillows, cold compresses and painkillers.
Furthermore, it is recommended to create a stress reducing routine that allows the individual to take their mind of the surgery such as reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to music. Engaging in activities such as these will help keep the individual’s mind off the surgery and reduce the chances of becoming overly anxious.
Also, it is important to have a support system in place that can provide assistance after the surgery. Having the support of friends and family can be very beneficial for the individual and can help reduce the individual’s stress.
Eating After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Eating after wisdom teeth surgery is a very important part of the healing process. It is advised to stick to consuming soft foods, such as smoothies, as they are easier to swallow and require less chewing. Also, these types of foods do not require too much effort and are highly nutritious, which is important for healing.
However, it is important to remember that these foods need to be lukewarm or cool. Avoiding hot and cold foods is important as this will help to prevent any further pain or swelling. Moreover, sugary snacks or beverages need to be avoided, as bacteria will feed off of them and this can lead to further complications and pain.
Moreover, it is important to ensure that the area around the site of the extraction is kept clean at all times. This means that regular mouthwashes and brushing should be done, otherwise infection can set in. However, care should be taken not to brush too roughly as this can cause further irritation and discomfort.
Conclusion
Above all else, wisdom teeth surgery is a serious procedure that must be taken seriously. The approach to the post-operative care needs to be pragmatic, and the individual needs to religiously follow the instructions given by the surgeon. With luck, and depending on the particular person’s healing process, coffee (lukewarm preferably) can be safely consumed a few days after the surgery as long as no symptoms and/or complications appear.
