Dental implants are a wonderful solution to tooth loss because they look and function just like natural teeth. While dental implants are incredibly strong and durable once they have fused to the jawbone, they are vulnerable to damage while they are still healing. In addition to practicing excellent oral hygiene and steering clear of alcohol and tobacco, patients should also make sure they are careful about their dietary choices while the surgical sites are still recovering. Here are some foods to avoid if you’ve recently had your implants placed.
What Kind of Foods Can Dental Implants Allow Me to Eat?
Dental implants allow patients to eat any food they desire, and they may begin doing so once the healing process is complete. Until then, a patient should take care to avoid foods that can irritate the surgical area or displace the new implant. It’s best to treat your new tooth very gingerly for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours after having it placed.
What Can I Eat While Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery?
Thankfully, there are many nutritious and popular foods that are safe to eat after dental implant surgery. Planning ahead and cooking a few meals in advance can be a great way to help your recovery go a little bit easier. A few excellent foods for after getting your implants placed include:
- Broths and soups can provide you with vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and hydration.
- Mashed potatoes, hummus, avocados, and applesauce are nutritious, soft, and flavorful foods.
- Scrambled eggs, protein shakes, and salmon can give you protein while being easy on the teeth.
- Smoothies can provide some cooling relief, numbing sore tissues and raising spirits.
What Foods Should I Skip While Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery?
Some foods can damage the new implants or disrupt the healing process. A few items to abstain from for a few days after getting dental implants include:
- Hot or spicy foods: High temperatures or high acidity can irritate the healing tissues, delaying your recovery and increasing the likelihood of infection.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies: Apples, carrots, and celery are normally excellent for your teeth, but they are to be avoided while healing from dental implant surgery. The force required for biting or chewing them can disturb the implant.
- Crunchy snacks like chips and popcorn: While the pressure of chewing crunchy foods can injure a new dental implant, the food debris they produce can also get stuck in the healing tissues at the surgical site, increasing the risk of infection.
- Chewy or sticky candies: These can dislodge a temporary restoration and feed harmful bacteria.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the surgical area and slow the healing process.
- Dairy products: Sadly, milk, yogurt, and cheese can lead to inflammation in the oral tissues.
By Knowing which foods to avoid, you can keep your recovery speedy and your healing thorough. This will allow you to enjoy the high-quality tooth restoration you deserve.
About the Practice
Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas ensures patients in Dallas, TX receive the best dental care available. Led by Drs. Koo, Arnold, Stroud, Ludlow, and Patel, the staff sees to each patient having a stellar oral health experience in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implants. For more information about recovering from dental implant surgery, contact the office online or dial (469) 529-6016.