One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is the ability to enjoy all your favorite foods without discomfort. Indeed, dental implants are the only long-term treatment that usually allows you to speak, eat, and smile.
If you have recently had or are considering dental implant surgery, you may wonder what to eat during the 1-2 week recovery period. This article will discuss the meals you should consume when recovering and those you should avoid.
Foods to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
After dental implant surgery, stick to soft foods that need less chewing. You should only consume soft or liquid nutrition on the first day after therapy. The anesthetics used during your surgery prevent you from biting or chewing on your tongue.
Following surgery, it is encouraged to consume smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, creamy soups and broth, and other soft/liquid meals.
Then, for approximately one week, you can proceed to items that require a bit more chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, pancakes, rice, soft bread, cooked vegetables, eggs, and spaghetti.
After one to two weeks, you can resume eating challenging, chewy meals such as meat and raw, fibrous vegetables. This depends on your rate of recovery. For at least two weeks, you should also avoid biting on the implanted side of your mouth.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
Following dental implant surgery, certain foods should be avoided, including the following:
- Hard Foods – Nuts, ice, candies, and other hard foods may cause damage to your implant.
- Crunchy Foods – To ensure a speedy recovery, avoid eating crunchy foods like chips and popcorn.
- Tough and Chewy Foods – including jerky, steak, and raw vegetables, are typically not recommended following surgery.
- Spicy Foods – irritate and cause discomfort at the surgery site. You should avoid these meals until your mouth has recovered.
Additional Tips for Healing Dental Implant
You will be eager to resume your diet after your dental implant operation. However, consuming the proper meals and habits at each stage of the healing process is crucial.
- Eat consistently. It is essential to consume food and liquids regularly after dental implant surgery, as this will help you heal more quickly and feel better overall. Additionally, it will give you extra nutrients and energy.
- Include Protein Supplements. Many of our patients struggle to get sufficient protein. Consequently, protein supplements are commonly recommended.
- Follow the Post-implant Diet Regimen. The initial few days following dental implant surgery may be unpleasant; therefore, adhering to the soft dental implant recovery diet is essential to avoid aggravating your recovery.
- Consume a Lot of Water. Staying hydrated helps your body stay healthy and will help you recover from surgery more quickly. It is recommended to avoid activity or excessive exertion in general for at least two to three days, such as lifting big boxes or furniture. This will decrease bleeding and pain.
- Never Smoke or Use Tobacco Products. Smoking and oral tobacco products can inhibit healing and even cause implant failure. As you recover following implant surgery, you should never smoke or use any tobacco products.
Conclusion
Dental implant surgery can significantly improve oral health, speech, and comfort. However, following the proper diet during recovery is essential to ensure a speedy and successful outcome. You will benefit from a productive healing process by avoiding complex, sticky foods and following the tips outlined in this article.
If you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry in Newton, MA, Waban Dental Group is here! We are a full-service dental office providing a comprehensive range of services to meet your dental needs. Contact us now!
