Dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure that requires some time for healing and recovery. Adhering to a special diet is an essential part of the recovery process. Thus, it is crucial to avoid certain foods for three to four weeks or longer in some cases. This time is needed for the metal posts of the dental implants to fuse with the jawbone and become stable and secure. In this article, we discuss foods to avoid after dental implant surgery.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
It is essential to follow a special diet after dental implant surgery to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the jawbone and prevent infections and implant failure. However, apart from avoiding certain foods, you should also have nutritious meals that will help you promote healing.
Immediately After Dental Implant Surgery
In the first 48 hours after the surgery, you need to make sure that you do not have to move your jaw a lot and do not put pressure on it when having meals. This means that you will have to adhere to a liquid diet and avoid the following foods and beverages:
- Any foods that require chewing
- Very hot or very cold foods and drinks, everything you eat and drink should be cool in temperature
- Any acidic and spicy drinks and foods as they can irritate the gums
- Alcoholic beverages, as alcohol slows down healing
- Carbonated beverages, as they can also cause irritation
- Drinks and foods that contain dye
- Staining foods, such as berries, beetroot, etc.
Examples of a liquid diet include:
- Fruit and vegetable smoothies
- Broth
- Pureed soups
- Milkshakes
Three to Four Weeks After Dental Implant Surgery
After the first 48 hours, you can start slowly introducing soft foods into your diet. Make sure to chew your food carefully. If you have dental implants only on one side of your mouth, try chewing your food on the other side. Avoid the following foods:
- Sticky and chewy foods that can disturb the implants
- Crunchy foods, such as crackers, nuts, chips, etc.
- Hard foods, such as raw fruit and vegetables, chewy meat, etc.
- Spicy and acidic foods
- Very hot and very cold foods and beverages
- Continue abstaining from alcohol and carbonated drinks, and drinks and food that can stain your implants
Examples of a soft diet include:
- Yogurts
- Soft cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese
- Mashed potatoes and pureed vegetables
- Pureed soups
- Soft vegetables (boiled or sauteed)
- Omelets or scrambled eggs
- Tofu
- Soft cutlets and ground meat
- Pâté
- Soft fish
- Smoothies from fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens
Make sure to consume a lot of vitamin-rich foods that will promote bone and gum tissue regeneration:
- Dairy products that contain vitamin D and calcium
- Fish and avocados as a source of Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vegetables, fruits, and greens, as sources of vitamin C and minerals
- Protein-rich foods
- Hydrating drinks, such as water and herbal teas (essential for faster healing and inflammation reduction)
After Healing Is Complete
Once your mouth is fully healed, your dental implants will offer up to 90% of the natural bite force and function just as your natural teeth do. However, it is recommended to continue avoiding certain foods to prevent implant damage and staining. Such foods and beverages include:
- Drinks and foods that contain artificial dye (for example, candies, soda, etc.)
- Natural drinks and foods that can stain the implants (coffee, black tea, red wine, berries, beetroot, etc.)
- Foods with brightly-colored spices, such as curry, red paprika, etc.
- Foods that require biting down with force, such as hard apples, carrots, etc.
- Hard and crunchy foods (crackers, hard candies, ice, etc.) as they can crack or scratch the implants
- Sticky foods (caramel, toffee, etc.)
Remember to never use your teeth as tools. Opening bottles or cracking nuts with your teeth can damage the implants and your natural teeth as well. If you consume any staining foods or beverages, brush or rinse your teeth immediately after the meal to prevent staining agents from lingering and accumulating on the surface of your implants.
Make an Appointment Today
Get high-quality dental implants or implant care services at the Riverside dental office. Do not hesitate to call our office today and make an appointment with one of our implant specialists. Tropic Dental Care uses modern methods and up-to-date materials and equipment to deliver long-lasting results.
We look forward to your visit.
