What to Eat and Avoid after Dental Implant Surgery?

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When you’re missing teeth, eating becomes a chore because it’s hard to chew certain foods. This means that you may have to give up some of your favorites. However, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. This means that you will be able to eat, speak, and smile as you did before.

One of the most common questions we hear at Springhill Dental Health Center is this: “what can I eat following dental implant surgery?” In this article, we’ll explain what foods you can eat and when, as well as what foods you should avoid.

What Can You Eat Following Dental Implant Surgery?

Once the implants have healed and osseointegration is complete, your natural bite/chewing force will be restored, and you can eat anything you like. However, there are certain foods that you should eat and certain ones you should avoid while you are healing.

Immediately after Surgery

Your jaw and teeth are in a delicate state following implant surgery. You may remove the gauze and try to eat something about an hour after surgery.

Your jaw and teeth are in a delicate state following implant surgery. You may remove the gauze and try to eat something about an hour after surgery.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, experts recommend:

  • Cool liquids only, nothing hot
  • No straws or bottles that require suction, as this will put pressure on the implant site
  • Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages for a few days

Foods You Can Eat for the First Few Days

For the first few days, stick to foods that do not require chewing and have plenty of nutrients, such as:

  • Smoothies
  • Cold soups
  • Apple sauce and other pureed fruits
  • Cool liquid foods such as milkshakes, milk, fruit juices/nectars, Jell-O, and pudding

Foods to Eat for a Few Months

After the first few days, you can transition to a soft food diet. You will need to stick with soft foods for up to three months following implant surgery. This will allow the jawbone to osseointegrate with the implant. Additionally, you may be given a temporary prosthesis that is not designed to chew hard/crunchy foods.

Ideally, you should stick to foods that are high in protein and other nutrients to support recovery, including:

  • Eggs/omelets
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Potatoes
  • Fish
  • Chicken
  • Ground beef
  • Oatmeal
  • Steamed veggies
  • Soft fruits such as peaches and bananas
  • Soft bread
  • Pasta

What Foods Should You Avoid Following Dental Implant Surgery?

On the other hand, there are certain foods that may cause damage to the implant and therefore must be avoided. This includes foods that are acidic, chewy, crunchy, spicy, sticky, or tough, as well as foods and beverages that are extremely hot.

Tips for Getting Adequate Nutrition Following Dental Implant Surgery

If you’ve been missing teeth for some time, you may be excited to get back to your normal diet and enjoy your favorite foods once again. However, in order to promote healing and avoid implant failure, it’s important to follow the guidelines from Dr. Byron Scott. Keep these tips in mind:

Eat regularly

When recovering from dental implant surgery, it’s important to stick to a regular schedule when eating and drinking. This will promote healing as well as help you feel better by providing you with the nourishment and energy that you need.

Add protein supplements

Many patients have difficulty getting enough protein following dental implant surgery. We recommend that you add a protein supplement to your diet. You can find a variety of different flavors at your local health food store or grocery store. This will increase your options as well.

Stick to the recommended diet

You may have some discomfort for the first few days after implant surgery. Therefore, it’s important to stick to the soft food diet so that you don’t aggravate the implant site and slow down healing.

Diabetic patients should check glucose frequently

If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your glucose levels frequently. This is one of the conditions that could result in implant failure if not kept under control.

Are You Interested in Dental Implants?

If you are missing one or more teeth and are interested in learning more about restoration options, you might want to consider dental implants. This is the top-tier treatment option because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Plus, they are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Scott and the team at Springhill Dental Health Center today.

What our Patients say about us

Testimonials

My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.

Bette D.
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Meet Dr. Byron C. Scott

Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.

Learn More About Dr. Scott
Springhill Dental Health Center

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