Having dental implants and taking steps towards restoring your smile is such a big decision, but there might be some questions that wander around in your head, like, “What can I eat?” Will chewing damage the implant? How long do I need to stick to the soft foods? When can I enjoy my favourite meals again? How can I improve the healing process? And what foods should I avoid? These are not just your questions; they are generic concerns that patients experience after dental implant surgery. First of all, it is important to note that dental implant surgery isn’t the procedure itself. It’s knowing what to eat during the recovery. In this blog, we will discuss which diet you should adopt right after your dental implant surgery, and we will explain everything so you can confidently have your diet ready.
Here’s a simple timeline of what to eat after the dental implant surgery and how your diet can evolve as your mouth heals.
On the Day of Surgery
When you have just had your dental implant surgery, it takes a few hours to alleviate the discomfort, and at that time, you have to protect your surgical site. During such a situation, your mouth may feel numb, and you may experience swelling and sensitivity. So, on day 1, you can have smoothies without a straw, applesauce, yogurt, protein shakes, newcomb fruits, ice cream, and puddings, etc. Like a liquid diet, mostly. And avoid hot food and beverages, crunchy snacks, spicy food, and alcohol if you are accustomed to them.
First 24 Hours to 3 Days
During these days, do not immediately step towards your normal diet. Add nutrition-rich food, but stick to a soft diet like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cottage cheese, pastas, soups and well-cooked cereals. And during these days, try to stay hydrated and avoid chewing near the implant site.
Day 4 to 7 (Week 1)
Gradually, you will start to notice improvement and healing from the discomfort, and you will feel more confident eating your favourite foods. But still, it is not recommended to eat crunchy or hard foods. You can go for like fish, avocado, rice, macaroni, vegetables, soft pancakes, cakes and tender shredded chicken. So you can feel better, but again, avoid hard, crunchy foods like nuts, popcorn, chips, and candies.
Week 2
By this time, you will notice a significant reduction in soreness and discomfort, and you can expand your meal options to include ground meats, soft sandwiches, rice dishes, casseroles, well-cooked vegetables, and soft fruits like bananas and peaches. You can also get instructions from your dentist about your dental implant area.
Week 3 to 6
Normally, at this stage, patients return to their normal diet and include foods like lean proteins, whole grains, cooked vegetables, and all, but the osseointegration process is still ongoing. So it is still recommended to avoid extremely hard foods, such as hard candies and tough meats.
After a Few Months
You can visit your dentist Burleigh to confirm that the healing is successful and that implant integration is complete, and you can switch back to your normal foods, which include crispy apples, steak dinners, and basically any unrestricted diet. However, make sure you maintain a balanced diet and excellent oral hygiene to protect the effort and investment you have put in over the years to come.
Restore your smile with the Dentists of Burleigh
Missing teeth can steal your confidence, comfort, and quality of life. However, taking the step of having dental implants can help you achieve the healthier smile that you had before. At Dentist of Burleigh, we provide a personalised initial consultation, post-treatment care, and exceptional support and guidance throughout your dental implant journey, so you can start your new smile confidently. Book your consultation with our experts today and get a tailored treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to eat right after dental implants?
Consider having all liquid foods right after surgery, such as drinks, protein shakes, smoothies, and juices. And avoid eating extremely hot, crunchy, sticky, and spicy food items like nuts, popcorn, chewing gum, toffee, meat, and carbonated drinks.
How can I improve the healing process?
To improve the healing process after dental implants, it is important to be strict about your oral hygiene: avoid rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours, then use a saltwater solution for general swishing.
How soon can I eat after a dental implant surgery?
Right after your dental implant surgery, you can eat normal soft foods within 1 to 2 hours, but only once your numbness wears off. You can eat yogurt and ice cream, then slowly shift to nutrient-dense soft foods.