When you are missing one or more teeth, one of the major complications is the inability to eat. This can ultimately lead to malnutrition. However, tooth replacement solutions can solve this issue.
Sunflower Dental Spa offers several options for tooth replacement, including dental implants. When compared to other options, dental implants look, feel, and function the most like natural teeth. They restore your ability to eat what you want.
However, you will need to give yourself time to recover fully. There are several foods that should be avoided following implant surgery because they may irritate the implant site, which can ultimately lead to implant failure. In addition, there are certain foods that you should include in your recovery diet to promote healing.
What to Eat after Dental Implant Surgery?
A nutritious diet is important for your overall health, especially when healing from a surgical procedure such as dental implants. Foods that are high in certain vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients can help your body heal faster. In addition, there are certain foods that are proven to reduce swelling and inflammation, as well as make the healing process smoother.
Experts recommend that you stick with soft foods for 1 to 2 weeks following implant placement. After that, you should be able to transition to tougher foods such as veggies and soft-cooked meats. The best foods to eat are those that are high in protein and low in sugar- and make sure to drink plenty of water as well.
If you have any questions about the best foods for recovery, the team at Sunflower Dental Spa will be happy to offer advice.
Foods That Promote Recovery
For the first few days following implant surgery, you will want to stick to a liquid or soft food diet. Some foods that you may want to include in your diet include:
- Smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Pureed soups
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Hummus
- Soft pasta
- Ground meat
- Scrambled eggs
- Fish
- Steamed or boiled veggies
For the first few days, you'll want to avoid dairy-based foods/beverages due to the risk of irritation to the implant site. However, after a few days, you can add foods such as the following to your diet to help soothe the area and promote healing.
- Pudding/custard
- Ice cream/sorbet
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
There are certain foods that can intensify pain and delay healing, such as:
- Spicy foods
- Foods that are tough to chew, such as steak
- Crusty bread
- Cookies
- Bagels
- Citrus juices
- Crunchy foods such as pretzels, potato chips, and popcorn
- Alcohol
While there's no rule specifying that you absolutely have to avoid these, it is recommended that you stick to soft, less irritating foods for at least a week following implant placement.
Why is No Dairy after Dental Implants?
Research has proven that dairy products are full of vitamins and minerals that are good for your body. However, dentists recommend that you avoid these foods following dental implant surgery. Dairy products can cause irritation to the implant site and may also cause nausea/vomiting- especially in patients with lactose intolerance- which can cause or contribute to implant failure.
Tips for Improving Recovery
Every patient is different, which means recovery will progress differently. However, there are some things you can do to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly and quickly:
Avoid skipping meals
You may have some discomfort and nausea for the first few days, which means you may not feel like eating. However, adequate nutrition is critical for recovery. Therefore, make sure that you avoid skipping meals.
Drink lots of water
Hydration is critical at all times, especially when healing from a major surgery such as dental implant placement. Drinking plenty of water will help you feel better following surgery.
Avoid strenuous physical activity
You should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 72 hours to minimize discomfort and/or bleeding.
Care for the implant site
The day of the surgery, you'll want to avoid disturbing the implant site. However, 24 hours after, you should begin to rinse with warm salt water several times throughout the day:
- First thing in the morning
- After each meal
- Before bed
You should also make sure that you are brushing and flossing your teeth, avoiding the surgical site until your dentist tells you that you can.
Avoid smoking/tobacco products
Smoking and other tobacco products can have an effect on healing and can ultimately lead to implant failure. Therefore, you should avoid smoking and using smokeless tobacco products during healing.
When Can I Return To My Normal Diet Routine?
Dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, making them a permanent tooth replacement solution. They are strong/secure and will not slip and slide around in your mouth when you are trying to eat.
When it comes to returning to your normal diet, every patient is different and has different needs/healing requirements. Many patients can begin the transition to their normal diet after about a week. However, you may find it best to stick to a soft food diet for up to 6 months, until osseointegration has occurred.
Make sure to keep all of your follow-up appointments so that the team at Sunflower Dental Spa can ensure that healing is going as expected and that the implants are not shifting
Schedule your Consultation Today with Sunflower Dental Spa
If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule your dental implant consultation with the team at Sunflower Dental Spa in Rockledge. We also offer many other cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. We believe that your smile is one of your most important assets and will do anything we can to improve and protect it.
We are located on Highway 1 in Rockledge. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We offer a tranquil, relaxing spa-like environment combined with the expertise of a respected cosmetic dentist.
Dental Implant FAQs
If you are interested in dental implants but have some questions or concerns, we will be happy to address those with you. Our staff is highly trained to help you understand your dental procedures. We believe that when you know what to expect, your chances of becoming a satisfied patient are increased. Here are a few of the most common questions we've gotten about diet and dental implants.
When can I eat rice after dental implant surgery?
You should be able to eat rice within a few days following dental implant surgery- but it's important to make sure that it is soft-boiled.
Can I drink coffee with implants?
Drinking coffee with dental implants is fine. However, it's important to note that hot beverages could irritate the implant site. Therefore, you may want to stick with cold coffee for the first few days- or avoid it altogether.
How long does it take for dental implants to settle?
For most patients, full recovery takes about 5 to 7 months, depending on a few different factors including:
- How long the tooth was missing before the implant was placed
- How many implants were placed
- Oral hygiene habits
- Smoking/tobacco use
