What Kind of Food to Avoid Post Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implants offer you a wide smile and live a healthy and happy life. The implants restore your food eating ability ranging from savory steaks to raw vegetables. However, after the surgery, you will need to take some dietary precautions for some weeks until full recovery. There is a need to practice a high oral care routine to keep your restored teeth and mouth in better shape.
A crucial aspect is to avoid placing undue pressure on newly inserted implants. How long will it take for a patient to chew and eat differs? Nevertheless, here is an approximate timeline to get an idea of how to make food choices.
An Orion dental specialist provides dental care ranging from teeth whitening to dental plants and cosmetic dentistry to snoring solutions. Post implant tips are given by your dentist because it is crucial for the success of your surgery.
Timeline for making proper food choices
First 24 hours
You may have undergone sedation Dentistry, but there can be minor bleeding, bruising, and swelling around the implant site. It is suggested to avoid hot food because bleeding can worsen. Lukewarm soups shake or pureed potatoes are soft foods you can enjoy. Avoid drinking shakes using a straw because the action of sucking can hamper the newly inserted implant. Drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated.
First week
Soft food is suggested for the majority of patients in the first week. Balanced nutrition is essential to recover fast, so never skip meals. Foods with balanced vitamins and nutrition include pasta, soft fish, spinach, and soft fruits will help in healthy recovery. Milk has calcium that promotes bone growth, so drink two glasses daily.
Food to enjoy in the first two weeks
- Scrambled eggs
- Sugar-free protein drinks
- Yogurt
- Apple sauce
- Soft bread
- Oatmeal
- Soups but avoid tomatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Warm chicken or beef broth
Drink chilled water and avoid fruit juices as they are high in sugar and can be acidic.
Next 3 to 6 months
After implant surgery, three to six months are crucial because it is a phase where bone fusion occurs. It is a sensitive time, so ensure that the implant does not get disturbed frequently. It is essential for the success of the implants. Therefore, avoid foods like boiled sweets, toffees, and nuts or raw veggies. Crunchy foods must also be avoided.
If you drink a cocktail or wine occasionally then avoid it because alcohol slows the healing process and aggravates the swelling. It can even interact with painkillers.
What to eat?
A healthy diet includes a sufficient amount of complex carbs, unsaturated fats, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and proteins. Some nutrient-rich foods are –
- Cooked beans
- Tofu & tempeh
- Lean beef or chicken cuts
- Whole grain bread
- Fresh salad
- Fresh fruit [unprocessed]
After osseointegration or bone fusion process
After the bone fuses successfully, you can eat anything. It means raw veggies, crunchy stuff, as well as juicy apples and even nuts, etc. without any worries. The first few weeks are inconvenient but worth long-term eating. However, you can reduce or minimize certain foods for maintaining implant health for years.
- Strong colored beverages like red wine, coffee, and tea. It can stain implants and natural teeth if consumed excessively.
- Drink alcohol moderately.
- Occasional indulgence in sweet is fine.
With proper dental implant care, you can avoid emergency dentist visits and enjoy a delicious future!