Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth and restore confidence. Even though the procedure may seem complex, with the help of the right dental team, you will be able to relax and feel at ease. One of the frequently asked questions is, “what foods to eat after dental implant surgery?” Our experts are here to answer your questions.
What Food To Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
It is essential to stick to a soft food diet after your surgery, as your teeth and jaw are delicate & overworking can damage the implant and jaw. Make sure you follow the recommendations of the dental implant specialist to ensure you have a smooth process and successful restoration.
Immediately After Surgery
Directly after the surgery, you will not be able to eat anything as gauze will be placed in to stop the bleeding. Your doctors will recommend leaving the gauze as it is important for post-operative healing. Once you remove the gauze, you can start eating again. Start with a cool liquid-based diet for the first 48 hours. This time is very important for optimal recovery and success. The following are a few foods our doctors recommend after dental implant surgery:
- Smoothies
- Protein shake
- Applesauce
- Juice
- Cool soup or broth
- Popsicles
- Yogurt
Make sure you are hydrated and consume ample amounts of liquids. Avoid hot and spicy foods, as these foods can irritate your gum tissues and cause an implant failure. Also, avoid consuming liquids with a straw or a bottle. The action of sucking can cause a painful dry socket and cause dislodge the blood clot, and disrupt your progress.
The Week After The Surgery
After five to seven days, you can start with a gentle, “no-chew” diet that includes soft foods and lots of liquids. It is important to choose only soft foods to ensure your process of osseointegration is going smoothly. Also, it is essential to consume protein and nutrient-rich foods that will speed up the healing process.
- You can consume fruits and vegetables with no seeds or boiled till it’s a soft texture. For instance, bananas, pears, peaches, avocados, mashed or steamed potatoes, etc.
- You can also start consuming grains that are necessary for digestion and nutrition, you can select heartier grains, such as oatmeal, couscous, pasta, rice, soft bread, pancakes, muffin, etc.
- You need to get enough protein after a dental implant as the macronutrient helps build and repair tissue. You can consume foods like eggs, tofu, cottage cheese, soft beans, milk, etc.
After The Next Few Weeks
In the first few weeks of your recovery process, you should stick continue with a soft food diet. You should consume eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, potatoes, etc. You can slowly move on to foods such as fish, chicken, beef, etc.
What To Avoid Eating After Dental Implant Surgery?
After your dental implant surgery, you need to avoid certain foods that may risk your recovery process. The following are a few examples.
- Avoid hard foods such as nuts, ice, hard candy, etc.
- Avoid crunchy foods like chips and popcorn.
- Avoid tough & chewy foods like jerky, steak, and raw vegetables like carrots, etc.
- Avoid spicy foods that will irritate your implant and cause pain and discomfort.
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel and taffy that will stick to your teeth causing infections.
Other Tips For Healing After Implant Placement
- Avoid skipping meals even if you are in pain and feel nauseous, as proper nutrition is essential to help in your recovery process.
- Stay hydrated and consume a lot of liquids that will make you feel better after your procedure.
- Avoid exercise or strenuous activities for a few days to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
- You can swish saltwater in your mouth after every meal, in the morning, and before bed.
- Avoid brushing on the surgical site until the dentist allows you to do so.
If you have missing teeth and want to get dental implants, we hope this blog will give you an understanding of your time after the procedure. Make sure you get the best dentist in Rio Rancho, NM, to get the highest quality dental implants.
