The dental community considers dental implants to be the best form of tooth replacement available. They can be used to anchor single artificial teeth in place or to create a superior hold for dentures or dental bridges. These advanced appliances are surgically placed directly in the jaw, creating a strong foundation that also helps prevent bone loss, but they must heal properly before they can provide the patient with all the benefits they have to offer. Here are a few foods to abstain from while recovering from dental implant surgery to achieve the best possible results.
What Foods Should I Skip After Dental Implant Surgery?
Eating certain foods while recovering from dental implant surgery can stress the healing tissues and potentially cause the new implant to fail. A few foods to dodge for a few days after the procedure include:
- Hot or spicy foods: The acids and spices in spicy foods can irritate the healing surgical sites, slowing down your recovery and making them more vulnerable to infection. Hot foods or liquids can also aggravate your new implants. Stick to mild foods at warm or lukewarm temperatures.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies: While raw snappy plant matter like celery, carrots, apples, and the like is normally great for your oral health, the stress of biting into them can strain your healing implants. Stick with softer alternatives like peas, bananas, and steamed veggies.
- Crunchy snack food: While your implants will be able to handle crunchy snacks like nuts, seeds, and popcorn once they’ve fully healed, eating these things can hurt the surgical sites before then. Hold off on these treats for a few days.
- Chewy or sticky candies: Chewy sweets like taffy or caramel can stick to and pull teeth and dental implants during the chewing process. Avoid these treats until your mouth is fully healed.
- Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol interferes with the body’s natural healing processes. If you enjoy beer, wine, or a nice cocktail, you should take care to abstain from strong drinks until you have recovered from dental implant surgery.
- Dairy products: Products that contain dairy like milk or yogurt can lead to inflammation in the oral tissues, which can delay your healing process. These are best avoided until your implants are fully healed.
What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
For the first day or two after surgery, stick to soft, mild foods that are not too hot. A few great examples include:
- Broths and soups that are rich in vitamins and hydration.
- Mashed plant matter such as potatoes, pumpkins, and bananas. Applesauce is also a great choice.
- Soft items like avocados, bananas, and hummus.
- Sources of protein like eggs, salmon, and protein shakes.
- Dairy-free smoothies that taste great, help numb the mouth, and ease swelling.
Once dental implants have completely healed, you can feel free to enjoy any food you like. By taking care of your healing mouth until then, you can set your newly restored smile up to last for decades.
About the Practice
Barker, Rohner, & Hunt DMD provides the most excellent dental health services available in Raleigh, NC. Led by Drs. Brandon Hunt, Bruce Barker, and Walter Rohner, the staff treats each patient with the utmost compassion in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant services. For more tips on recovering from dental implant surgery, contact the office online or dial (919) 847-7100.
