What Can I Eat After My Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implants allow you to restore your smile with a secure and lifelong tooth replacement. Whether you’re getting a single dental implant, multiple dental implants, or an implant-supported bridge, dental implants are considered the best replacement option for those missing one or more natural teeth.
Getting dental implants in Asheville requires a procedure in which the actual implant will be placed in your jaw, then allowed to heal before the final restoration, a custom dental crown, is placed on the end.
People can expect the implant healing process to take several days, while osseointegration, the process in which your natural jawbone fuses with the implant to create a secure tooth replacement, can take several weeks.
While healing initially, what can you eat after your dental implant surgery? Choosing the right foods is essential for proper healing after your procedure, so read on to discover some of the best options.
Soft and Blended Foods
After dental implant surgery, choosing foods that are soft and easy to chew is crucial to allow the surgical site to heal properly. Eating tough foods—such as steak, raw vegetables, chewy candy, popcorn, hard breads, crackers, and chips—can damage the surgical site and may cause complications while healing.
Instead, opt for foods such as:
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Smoothies
- Soft breads
- Soups
- Well-cooked vegetables
- Yogurt
These foods are gentle on the mouth, allowing you to protect your dental implant during the initial healing period and provide essential nutrients while minimizing any discomfort or irritation when eating.
Another benefit of many of these foods is that they don’t require home cooking—you can pick up foods such as applesauce, soups, bread, and yogurt at your local supermarket to keep on hand to eat during the healing process.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein is essential for tissue repair and healing, so incorporating protein-rich foods into your post-implant surgery diet can support your healing process. Not all protein is tough meats—you have plenty of softer options to stock your fridge with after your dental implant surgery in Asheville.
Options like scrambled eggs, beans, soft-cooked chicken, fish, and tofu can provide the necessary protein to aid healing. You can also consider protein shakes or smoothies with added protein powder for an extra boost.
You can prep many of these foods before surgery to keep in the fridge for easy eating while you are recovering!
Nutrient-Dense Fruits and Vegetables
To support your body’s overall healing process, focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods during your healing process. Yes, you’ll have those moments where all you want to eat is Jell-O or ice cream, but make sure you get a lot of nutrient-rich foods throughout your day to support your body while it’s healing!
What are nutrient-dense foods? These are foods that are naturally high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including fruits and vegetables. Ripe bananas, avocadoes, leafy greens, beans, cooked sweet potato, berries, and steamed vegetables are great options.
Foods such as these can help tissue repair and support your immune system to minimize your risk of complications while healing from your dental implant procedure.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate!
Staying hydrated is crucial for a speedy recovery after dental implant surgery. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is the best choice, but you can also enjoy herbal teas, broths, and natural fruit juices.
Water can support proper immune system function and help keep your mouth clean while it’s healing.
Just how much water should you be drinking a day? Although the amount depends on your size and activity level, as well as the temperature and humidity in your area, you should aim to get a minimum of 10 cups per day.
However, although it’s essential to stay hydrated, it’s important not to use a straw while your dental implant is healing. Using a straw requires suction in your mouth, which can dislodge any clotting at the surgical site and cause complications. Your dentist will let you know when it is safe to use a straw again.
What Foods Should You Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery?
While recovering from your dental implants in Asheville, it’s essential to avoid certain foods to prevent complications and aid the healing process. So what foods should you steer clear of during the initial healing period?
Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can irritate the surgical site and even dislodge the implant while it is healing. Avoid tough meats, chewing on bones, chewing gum, nuts, granola, and sticky candies.
Many patients find it helpful to avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can also cause discomfort to your healing implant and the surrounding tissue. We also recommend avoiding very hot or very cold foods and drinks, as they may cause sensitivity.
It’s also important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol after your dental implant surgery. Both alcohol and tobacco can hinder the healing process, increasing your risk for complications after the procedure.
Your dentist in Asheville will let you know when it’s safe to introduce tougher foods into your diet at your next check-up appointment in the dental implant healing process.
Additional Tips When Eating After a Dental Implant Procedure
- Always chew on the opposite side of your mouth that the implant is on.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth like normal, taking care to avoid the surgical site for the first 24 hours.
- Don’t introduce tougher foods back into your diet without talking to your dentist.
Ready to Schedule Your Dental Implant Surgery?
By stocking your fridge and pantry with the right foods after your dental implant procedure, you can have a smooth and successful recovery.
Remember, easy-to-chew, nutritious foods are your best option, as is staying hydrated. Soon, your dental implant will be healed, and you’ll have a strong and durable tooth replacement option that can last for life!
Are you ready to schedule your dental implant procedure in Asheville? Contact Saunders DDS today to learn more about your implant options and how these sturdy restorations can help you create the smile of your dreams! Call us at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online.
Get the answers you need for a successful dental implant surgery! Call us now at (828) 277-6060 or visit our Asheville Dental Clinic. Do not wait; take the first step towards a confident smile today!