In short: What to expect after dental implant surgery: swelling, pain control, diet, cleaning and the signs that mean you should call us.
Can I Eat Right After the Dental Implant Surgery?
Following the insertion of dental implants, gauze pads are placed in your mouth. The gauze pads can be taken out an hour after surgery to allow you to eat something.
You should drink cool beverages and avoid hot foods and drinks for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. It is best to avoid drinking through a straw or from a water bottle that needs suction for a few weeks. If you had bone grafting before the surgery, the restriction is extended to a month.
You must follow the week-by-week dietary recommendations to support the proper healing of your dental implants.
You have to be on a soft diet for the first 3-4 months after the placement of dental implants. It enables the dental implants to bond with your jawbone while you wear a provisional prosthesis that prevents you from chewing rough or crunchy foods. If you’re not sure what a soft diet is, many recommendations are given below for your convenience.
What Foods Not To Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
The following foods should be avoided for at least a week after implant surgery to prevent damaging your implant and delaying the healing process:
- Hard foods, like raw vegetables, and tough foods, like steak.
- Foods that are crunchy, like chips.
- Sticky foods, like caramel and taffy.
- Foods that are chewy, like gummies and bagels.
- Foods that are spicy, like hot peppers and salsa.
- Foods and drinks that are acidic or hot, like coffee, oranges, and tomatoes.
- Foods and drinks that are sugary, like colas.
What Food to Eat Immediately After Dental Implant Surgery?
Your teeth and jaw will be in a delicate condition after the dental implant is inserted. That is why it is essential to follow a soft-food diet for the first 24 hours following surgery. We suggest you add the following foods to your meals:
Smoothies are filling, nutritious, and a simple way to load yourself with essential vitamins and antioxidants for better recovery. Best of all, smoothies do not require chewing, making them a perfect post-surgery meal choice.
Applesauce: As you won’t be able to bite into an apple at this stage in your care, applesauce will offer many of the same nutrients without causing damage to your implant.
Cold soups: While hot foods and liquids should be avoided, cold soups, like a gazpacho, can be enjoyed.
When drinking beverages, you mustn’t use a straw. The suction force creates negative pressure, dislodges blood clots at the surgery site, and impedes healing. You should also abstain from alcohol and smoking for at least a few days.
What to Eat a Few Days Following the Dental Implant Surgery?
You can gradually reintroduce more solid foods into your diet as your jaw heals. Dr. Adatrow suggests eating meals high in protein and other vital nutrients to hasten the recovery. He recommends the following foods:
- Eggs/Omelets: Eggs are rich in protein and omega-3, and easy to chew. To make a well-balanced meal, combine them with vegetables and make an omelet.
- Potatoes: One of the most challenging aspects of adhering to a soft-food diet is the lack of choice. Potatoes are a highly versatile food that can be cooked in various ways while retaining their soft texture.
- Ground beef, chicken, and fish: Dr. Adatrow suggests gradually reintroducing meat into your diet if you eat it. Start with softer meats such as chicken, fish, and ground beef, which can be finely chopped and added to salads, pasta, and other dishes for a lovely meal.
- Milk/Cheese/Yogurt: Dairy products contain protein and calcium, which assist in the recovery period and help keep your teeth healthy.
Looking for the best dental implant specialist in Germantown, TN? Dr. Adatrow can help!
If you have any further questions about oral health, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Adatrow. Dr. Adatrow has more than 30 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%, and can provide you with the best possible dental treatment. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Periodontist in Hernando, MS region. Please get in touch with our office for your consultation now!
After dental implant surgery: talk to a specialist
Every mouth is different, so the right answer on after dental implant surgery depends on your teeth, gums and health history. Our board-certified specialists in Southaven, MS, near Memphis, can examine you, explain your options and give you a clear written plan. Call (662) 655-4868 or book a consultation.