If you have taken the first step towards restoring your smile to its complete function with leading-edge dental implants, congratulations! You’re one step closer to enjoying all of the favorite foods you used to, improving your oral and overall health, and enjoying an unrivaled confidence boost. However, before you bask in the glory of your new-and-improved grin, you’ll need to get through some key steps of the process, like healing after your dental implant surgery. Be prepared to make a fast recovery by stocking your refrigerator full of foods that are safe to eat as your gums are healing. Read on to learn what you can eat after your surgery and how to care for your smile.
What Foods are Safe to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
Placing dental implants involves creating a window in the gumline to gain access to the jawbone, so you can expect to be sore for several days following your procedure. As you’re healing, especially during the first 48 hours after the surgery, you’ll want to avoid any hot foods or beverages and try to maintain a nutritious diet to help your body recover.
You can prepare for your surgery by going shopping and prepping some of these soft, excellent post-placement meals:
- Vitamin-rich soups and broths that have been allowed to cool.
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Mashed or blended bananas, apples, avocado, and other fruits and vegetables.
- Scrambled eggs or salmon.
- Protein shakes.
- Smoothies and ice cream.
It’s also important to avoid certain foods and drinks, like the following:
- Hot and spicy foods.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables that are hard.
- Popcorn, nuts, and other crunchy snacks.
- Sweets and foods that are excessively sticky.
- Alcohol.
- Dairy products.
In the Weeks Following Your Surgery…
As your gums begin to recovery, you’ll be able to slowly begin incorporating more foods back into your diet. However, this likely won’t be until a couple of weeks after your surgery. If you notice that much of your post-operative discomfort has disappeared and your dentist has given you the green light, you can begin introducing a wider variety of soft protein into your diet, like shredded chicken. You can also boil or steam vegetables to gradually include a greater variety of vitamins in your diet as well. Throughout your entire journey, there’s one primary rule you’ll want to stick to, and that’s not eating or drinking anything that’s hot.
How Long Will It Take to Heal From Dental Implant Surgery?
The length of your recovery can depend on a variety of factors, like how many dental implants you had placed and your body’s unique healing process. Osseointegration, which is when the implants fuse with the jawbone, typically doesn’t occur for between three and six months following surgery, so throughout this period you’ll want to be gentle on your implants and avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. If you notice any out-of-the-ordinary side-effects or have any questions during your recovery, never hesitate to give your dentist a call!
Although the healing process following dental implant surgery can be lengthy, it’s arguably one of the most important steps in your entire journey. By taking the time to ensure your dental implants heal correctly, you can ensure the long-term success of your rejuvenated smile!
About the Author
For over a decade, Dr. Rafiq Hirji has been helping restore his patients’ smiles using leading-edge techniques and treatments, like dental implants. Over the years, he has completed advanced education courses and trainings to expand his clinical skills in a range of specialties, allowing him to complete the entire implant process under one roof. For questions or to learn more about dental implants in Irving, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.