Dental implants are fascinating prosthetic devices that can replace lost teeth with gorgeous restorations that look, work, and feel just like the real thing. While these devices are remarkably strong and durable, the mouth will need some time to heal after having them surgically placed. Here’s a quick guide to a few foods that can be stressful for your new dental implants as well as a list of items that you can eat safely and comfortably while recovering.
What Is Recovering After Dental Implant Surgery Like?
After receiving dental implants, you can expect a few days of temporary soreness that can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication taken as instructed. However, your new dental implants will need several months to successfully fuse with your jawbone. During this time, it’s best to minimize the stress they endure, so avoid probing at the new implant with your tongue or fingers, chewing near the implant site, and brushing and flossing too vigorously around the surgical area.
What Foods Can Be Hazardous for a New Dental Implant?
It’s best to avoid foods and beverages that are crunchy, sticky, spicy, hot, sugary, or acidic while recovering after dental implant surgery. A few items to skip include:
- Crunchy snacks: Chewing on popcorn, chips, nuts, and seeds can lead to debris being lodged in the healing gum tissues, causing irritation, inflammation, and infections.
- Sugary beverages: Soda, juice, and coffee with lots of sugar in it will feed the harmful oral bacteria that cause oral infections.
- Raw, crunchy fruits and veggies: Chewing these can be stressful after dental implant surgery.
- Spicy foods and sauces: Spices and acids can be harsh on your healing gum tissues.
- Candy: Sweets coat your teeth in bacteria-feeding sugary residues. Sticky candies may pull your new implant out of its place, and hard candies may break them if the patient bites down.
- Dairy products: Milk-based products can cause inflammation that may inhibit your healing process.
- Alcohol: Alcohol thins the blood and makes it harder for the body to heal and fight infections.
What Foods Can I Eat After Receiving Dental Implants?
It’s important to wait to eat until your anesthesia wears off after dental implant surgery, and you can resume enjoying a tougher, zestier diet as you become comfortable doing so. However, it’s best to stick to a diet of soft, mild, cool foods like these for a few days after receiving implants:
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Steamed veggies
- Boneless fish and chicken
- Smoothies
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
Making smart eating decisions after receiving dental implants can set you up for a lifetime with a gorgeous smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your restorations in great shape.
About the Practice
Southlake Family Dentistry offers the most excellent oral health services in Fort Mill. Led by Drs. Priya Chougule and Ashley Fasone, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys a pleasant treatment experience in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about how you can help your mouth heal after implant surgery, contact the office online or dial (803) 548-3342.