Missing teeth will negatively affect the appearance and functionality of your smile. It will impact the look of your smile and make it very hard for you to eat your favourite foods because chewing will become a challenge. Traditional dentures are one option you can consider for missing teeth. Still, they can be problematic regarding chewing because you will need help eating certain foods like bagels and taffy and crunchy foods like fruits and raw vegetables. Missing teeth may require you to avoid your favourite foods, and it can also cause your health and nutrition to suffer because you may need to rely on bland and soft foods, which are not enough for a healthy diet.  

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option that will restore the look and function of your smile and allow you to eat all your favourite foods. Dental implants look, act, and feel just like your natural teeth and will permanently restore your chewing ability. You may face a few dietary restrictions during the healing process, but this is only required for a short period, and the benefits of this procedure are too significant to ignore. The advantages outweigh these temporary limitations, and you can eat all the foods you want once the healing phase is over.  

You won’t have to change your eating habits before dental implant surgery, but you must stock up on the right foods afterward. Soft foods are a must while your mouth heals, and you can eventually return to your regular diet. Your Tavistock dentist will discuss the foods you should have at home, and you will be aware of this information before your dental implant procedure. Soups, broths, pudding, oatmeal, applesauce and ice cream are great foods to stock up on, and you should shop for these items before your surgery because you’ll need to rest afterwards. You can get lots of nutrients through vegetables and fruit smoothies, which is great in the first few days after surgery. 

No Dairy after Dental Implants

Dairy is not a great idea immediately following your dental implant surgery, and your dentist will tell you to stay away from dairy products for a little while. While it’s true that dairy is a great source of protein and calcium, you should avoid dairy after dental implant surgery because it can cause an inflammatory response in the oral tissues, which is not ideal after surgery. Additionally, dairy can also trigger nausea and vomiting, which can compromise your newly placed dental implant. 

The good news is dairy products will only have to be avoided in the first few days after your surgery, and once the dentist gives you the green light, you can add dairy back into your diet to enjoy all of its benefits. 

The Healing Process

Osseointegration is a very important part of the healing process after dental implant surgery, and your jawbone will need time to fuse to the implanted titanium rod. This bond will allow your dental implant to act like a natural tooth because it will be securely rooted in your bone. Generally speaking, the fusing process can take four to six months, although this will vary from one patient to another, and your dentist will provide you with more information. 

Once the rod fuses to your bone, the abutment will be placed over the rod, after which a porcelain crown will be fitted on top. 

It is very normal for your mouth to feel tender following dental implant surgery, and if you’re wondering how long you have to wait before you can chew on a dental implant, the answer will depend on how quickly you heal. You should stick to a primarily liquid diet for the first two or three days after surgery, after which you can eat soft foods. Stay away from dairy products for a few days because they can cause an inflammatory response in your oral tissues, which would negatively affect your dental implant surgery. 

Dairy may also trigger nausea and vomiting, which can compromise your newly placed dental implant by introducing acidity into your mouth as you try to heal. Stick to fruits, mashed potatoes and Jell-O, and you can start to consume dairy once your dentist says it’s okay. Within a week or two, you may be able to start eating some solid foods, although this timeline will vary. Some patients can start eating normally a week after dental implant surgery, while others need two weeks to return to their normal diet. 

Which Foods to Avoid?

In addition to dairy, you must also avoid eating hard, sticky, and heavily seasoned foods, which may irritate the implant site. The implant may also be sensitive to cold and hot foods, and hot foods, in particular, can damage the implant as it heals. Stick to room-temperature foods and drinks during the first week following your surgery. 

Avoid acidic foods like orange juice, tomatoes and carbonated drinks during your recovery period, as these can aggravate the surgical site and harm your implant. Finally, avoid abrasive foods like nuts, seeds, pretzels and chips. 

Once the implant has fully healed, it will act like your natural tooth, and you can eat anything. You can eat dairy products, crunchy foods, and even sticky and chewy foods as long as you properly care for your dental implants. This means you must maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and continue brushing and floss twice a day. You need to care for your dental implants the same way you care for your natural teeth. 

Conclusion

Are you ready to find a solution for missing teeth? Dental implants can be ideal, and Tavistock Family Dentistry can provide more information. Dental implants can restore your smile and your ability to enjoy the foods you love, and we will discuss if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure. 

Contact our office anytime to learn more about dental implants and why this may be the perfect solution for your smile!