Which nutrient is specifically important for healing after oral surgery?

The importance of calories for healing after oral surgery lies in the body’s heightened energy demands during recovery. After surgery, the healing process is metabolic in nature, requiring an increased amount of energy to repair tissues, fight off infections, and rebuild cells. Consuming sufficient calories provides the necessary energy for these metabolic functions, ensuring that the body has the fuel it needs to promote healing effectively.

While other nutrients like Vitamin C, iron, and fiber play vital roles in overall nutrition and may contribute to recovery, they do not have the same direct impact on energy levels required for healing as calories do. Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and immune function, iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and fiber aids in digestion. However, the overarching requirement during the recovery process is a caloric surplus to support the body's increased energy needs, making calories the most critical nutrient in this context.