Maybe age does play a role, or maybe I'm just a wimp about mouth pain...
I totally get where you’re coming from. I remember after my root tip surgery, mashed potatoes were my best friend for way longer than I expected. It’s wild how some people bounce right back and others need more time. I wouldn’t call it being a wimp, honestly—I think everyone’s pain threshold is just different, and stuff like swelling or even anxiety can make it drag out.
Did you notice if certain foods or drinks made things worse, or was it just any solid food in general? For me, even lukewarm soup felt like a minefield some days. I’ve also wondered if stress or just being nervous about chewing played into how long it took to feel “normal” again.
I had a pretty similar experience after my root tip extraction, actually. It took me about two weeks before I felt like I could eat anything other than soft foods without stressing out. I’m not sure if age was the main factor for me or if it was just how inflamed everything felt. Even something like scrambled eggs seemed risky at first.
I did notice that temperature made a big difference. Anything too cold or too hot would set off this weird throbbing sensation, so I stuck to room temp stuff for a while. I also found that even the texture of food mattered—rice would get stuck and it drove me nuts trying to keep the area clean.
I wouldn’t call it being a wimp either; oral pain is just... different. It’s right there in your face all day, and you can’t really ignore it. I think anxiety about messing up the healing process definitely slowed me down, too. It’s tough to relax when you’re constantly worried about reopening the site or getting food stuck in there.
I wouldn’t call it being a wimp either; oral pain is just... different. It’s right there in your face all day, and you can’t really ignore it.
You nailed it—oral pain is just relentless compared to most other types. The hypersensitivity to temperature and texture you mentioned happens because the nerve endings in that area are exposed and inflamed after surgery. Sticking to room temp foods and avoiding anything crumbly or sticky is actually textbook advice for good reason.
Two weeks for soft foods sounds pretty typical, honestly. Some people bounce back faster, but it's not a race. The anxiety about messing up the healing is also totally normal—there's a real risk of dry socket or infection, so being cautious isn't overreacting at all. I always tell folks: if it feels off, trust your gut and give yourself time.
I’m right there with you on the anxiety—after mine, I was so paranoid about dry socket I barely chewed for days. It’s wild how something so “routine” can mess with your head and appetite. Give yourself grace, it does get better.
I was so paranoid about dry socket I barely chewed for days.
Same here—honestly, I was almost afraid to eat anything solid for a week. I kept wondering if I was being too careful or not careful enough. Did anyone else have lingering nerve pain? I felt this weird tingling for about ten days, which my dentist said was normal, but I’m still not sure. Also, how long did it take before you could sleep on that side again without discomfort? It’s been two weeks and I’m still hesitant.
