We want our patients in and around the Decatur area to experience the quickest, easiest recovery possible with dental implants. To this end, we offer the following list of dietary recommendations and restrictions after implant surgery.
Dental implants are installed directly into the jaw, meaning they must fuse with the bone tissue. This process of osseointegration takes multiple months, and is necessary to ensure the stability and support of implants. During this time, any stress or pressure exerted upon the implant can hinder its integration or loosen it from the jaw. In the earlier stages of recovery, when gum tissue is still healing, the area is also sensitive and more prone to infection.
For these reasons, it’s important to avoid any foods that may physically disrupt the implant or cause discomfort.
Recommended Diet
Most patients are advised to eat a soft-food diet for the first week of recovery, gradually working up to chewier and harder foods afterward. Although this may restrict one’s normal dietary habits, there are still numerous foods available for each nutritional need. Consider any of the following options as examples of safe food choices:
Grains and starches: Most cooked grains are a good way to avoid hard food. For breakfast, try oatmeal and similarly soft cereals; for lunch or dinner, you can include noodles, soft bread, rice, grits, or mashed potatoes.
Fruits and vegetables: Softer fruits, such as bananas, peaches, nectarines, melons, and all berries are usually good choices when ripe. If you would normally take a bite out of the fruit, remember to cut it into pieces first. Although most raw vegetables are too crunchy for implants, cooked or steamed vegetables are good alternatives, including broccoli, carrots, and squash. Sauces and soups are some of the easiest and safest options of all.
Protein: Red meat and poultry can be tough on implants at first, so they should be consumed sparingly or carefully. Safer options for protein include eggs, fish and seafood, and beans. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are also good sources of protein. Couscous and quinoa, while being a wheat and grain, also contain a surprising amount of protein.
Beverages: Water, water, and more water! Staying hydrated is vital to your immune system and overall health, and nothing will keep you hydrated more efficiently than water. Alcohol, on the other hand, should be avoided during recovery.
Dietary Restrictions
Generally, foods that are hard, crunchy, or chewy should be set aside for at least the first week. Not only will they cause discomfort, but they may very likely result in the dental implant’s failure to heal. Here are some examples of what to stay away from:
Chewy foods: Anything that requires more than a couple rounds of chewing may cause implants to pull away from gums. Rolls, salads, cookies, gummies, hard fruit, and of course chewing gum are all good examples of this. Unless red meat is thoroughly tenderized or cooked in a stew, it should probably be avoided at first.
Anything that may get stuck in teeth: While all food is likely to leave some particles behind, some are notorious for becoming stuck between teeth and within gums. Popcorn, seeds, and chips are a few examples.
Particularly hot or cold foods: Unfortunately, very high or low temperatures may cause pain or open the wound. For typically hot meals, allow the food to sit for a bit (it can still be warm) before consuming.
Additionally, do not use a straw with drinks for the first 48 hours, as it may push against and irritate implants.
