Dental implants are the perfect solution if you want to restore your smile’s appearance and your mouth’s function. You must care for your dental implants properly after surgery, and the foods you eat will make a big difference. You must wait at least an hour before having your first snack after surgery.
Once the gauze sponges are removed, you need to go easy for the first 24-48 hours, as this time is crucial for your healing post-surgery. You should consume only liquids starting one hour after your surgery and continue with this step for the next 48 hours. Smooth cold soups, broths, smoothies, meal replacement drinks, juices, protein drinks and applesauce are all great, and chewing will be challenging at first, so you need to stick to liquids. Failure to follow these instructions can negatively impact your recovery.
Additionally, you should not drink your liquids through a straw or water bottle because this requires suction and can put pressure on the implant site. Liquids must be cool, and you must drink lots of water—staying hydrated is essential to your recovery.
Once the first 48 hours are up, you can start introducing soft foods into your diet. You should still avoid chewing as much as you can, and as your gums heal, you can introduce more solid foods that require you to chew. The healing journey is different for every patient, and you need to monitor the sensitivity and tenderness of the surgical site in the days and weeks following your procedure. In most cases, patients can start chewing near the implant site at the end of their first-week post-surgery, although you need to proceed with caution, and a low level of discomfort should be expected.
If you experience pain, your mouth is not yet ready, and you should wait to re-introduce chewier foods. Sticking to a soft-food diet for the first 10-14 days is highly recommended, and here are foods you can consider eating during this time:
Eggs
Scrambled, poached or in an omelette are all great ideas because eggs are soft, high in protein and rich in vitamin D.
Cooked Cereal Grains
These are easy to eat and also nutritious.
Mashed, Boiled, Baked Or Fried Potatoes
This will add variety to your diet but stay away from crispy French fries!
Dairy Products
Milk, yogurt and soft cheeses are all great because they offer calcium which is important for strong teeth.
Greens
Try cooking leafy greens like spinach and kale until they’re soft and easy to chew.
Foods to avoid after getting dental implants:
- Chewy foods like gummies and dried fruit
- Crunchy foods like chips
- Sticky foods like candy and taffy
- Spicy foods like hot peppers and salsa
- Acidic foods
Eating the right foods is a big part of the healing process and following the proper care instructions after your dental implant surgery is a must. Our dentists here at Tavistock Family Dentistry will provide you with details, and we will help you restore your smile.
We specialize in dental implants, and whether you are looking for an emergency dentist near me in Tavistock or require cleaning, we are ready to help.
Contact us today to book an appointment! Visit our website’s contact page or get in touch via email at [email protected].
