What Can You Eat After Getting Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery is one of the most effective ways of getting your smile and bite back to what it should be. But the procedure can take a considerable amount of time, and you may have many questions about how you’ll go about your daily life. One area that you may have particular concerns or queries about is eating. 

Eating after dental implant surgery may be quite uncomfortable or painful for a time. But what should you eat after having dental implants?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the dental implant procedure and also discuss what you can and cannot eat immediately after the various stages of treatment. 

What Are Dental Implants?

If you have a damaged or missing tooth, a dental implant will replace it. Once fitted into place, a dental implant will restore your ability to chew and will improve your smile while minimizing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Unlike dentures, dental implants are fixed into position. They consist of a dental crown which is held into place by the implant. 

There are two main types of dental implants. Endosteal implants and Subperiosteal implants. 

With endosteal implants, a small titanium screw is placed through your gums and into your jawbone. This will hold a dental crown in position. These are the most effective form of dental implants as it is the most secure. 

Subperiosteal implants are suitable for people who don’t have the bone density in their jaws or have an underlying health condition that prevents them from having endosteal implants. 

With subperiosteal implants, the screw will go down through the gum but sit above the jawbone. Again, this screw will hold a dental crown into position. 

Go ahead, have a look and learn more about dental implants here. 

How Does Dental Implant Surgery Work?

Dental implant surgery could take several months. The first stage in the process would be to have any pieces of damaged tooth removed from your mouth. This will make way for the new dental implant. 

If your jawbone is not ready to take the implant straight away, you may need to have a bone graft. Having the strength in your bone is vital as your jaw needs to be strong enough to take the pressure off the implants. 

If you do need a bone graft, you’ll need to wait a few months for your jaw to get up to the right strength. Once your jaw is ready, your dentist will drill your jawbone. 

Again, your jaw will require time to heal. Just as with the bone graft, this may take a few months. Once your jaw has healed, you can have the titanium screw added. 

Once this is fitted into place, a replacement tooth can be made. This will be based on x-rays and impressions from your mouth. 

Dental Implant Surgery Recovery

Once your dental implants are in place and have healed up, dental implants will give you the full chewing strength of regular teeth. You must avoid certain foods for the first few weeks.

After your dental implants have been placed if the procedure is to be a success. 

Let’s look a little bit more in-depth into what you can and cannot eat during post-op recovery. 

What to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

After the first hour has passed following your dental implant procedure, you can remove the gauze sponges from your mouth and have something to eat. 

During the first two days, you should only consume cool liquids. Avoid drinking tea and coffee. You should also avoid hot food for several hours after the operation. 

You shouldn’t drink through a straw or from a water bottle that will require suction. You should avoid doing this for the first two weeks. 

For the first week after your implants have been placed, you should follow a “no chew” diet. This will include eating foods such as: 

• Smashed avocado
• Cottage cheese
• Jell-O
• Soups such as cream or broth
• Apple sauce
• Smoothies
• Yogurts

Try and keep to a diet of cool food and drink for the first week or so after the implants have been placed. 

List of Top Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery

It is important that you avoid any food that is difficult to eat or will require chewing. Particular foods that should be avoided include: 

• Tough foods such as steaks
• Crunchy foods such as chips or popcorn
• Sticky foods such as taffy, fudge, and caramel
• Chewy foods such as bagels
• Food that is either very hot or very cold
• Spicy foods such as chilies or curries
• Acidic foods such as lemons, tomatoes, or oranges

If you eat meat, you should slowly start to reintroduce soft meats such as ground beef or chicken after a period of a few weeks. 

You should also avoid smoking or drinking alcohol in the days and weeks following your dental implant procedure. 

Dental Implant Surgery Recovery

Dental implant surgery is life-changing. Once you have had the procedure, you’ll regain your smile and the function of your teeth. Not only that, but once it has healed, you’ll be able to chew as though you had natural teeth, 

It is important to note that there is a long recovery time while your mouth and jawbone heals and as you get used to having the implant in position. During this time, it is essential to stick to cool, soft foods. 

For more diet-related articles, check out the rest of our site.