What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implant surgery does take a toll on your dental health. This is why you should be mindful of your diet during this time, since your operated area remains very raw and sensitive. The good news is that it does not mean that you have to spend your entire life on dull food. 

There are ways to eat flavorful, filling foods, and yet protect your new implant. Read through this blog to learn about foods that you can consume immediately after this surgery without hurting your mouth..

The First 24 Hours: Be Gentle On Your Mouth

This period is crucial for clotting and healing. Anything hot or cold can hurt your tender gums:

• Drink room-temperature water, broth, and herbal tea. Steer clear of straws since they can dislodge your blood clot.
• Select soft, mushy foods such as applesauce, yogurt, pudding, and mashed potatoes.
• Healthy smoothies containing bananas, avocado, and protein powder can make your body heal quicker.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, and anything with small, crunchy bits that can irritate the surgical site.

Days 2–7: Healing and Soft Foods

Even after 2-7 days of undergoing the surgery for dental implants in Mogadore, you might still experience some tenderness and swelling. Eat foods that are easy to chew, such as:

• Tomato, butternut squash, bone broth, and creamy soups.
• Mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower puree can benefit the health of your sensitive teeth and gums.
• Soft scrambled eggs are an excellent source of protein. They are also easy to prepare, in addition to being nutritious.
• Cottage cheese or ricotta is creamy and easy on the tissues, but is high in calcium. They can strengthen your teeth and gums
• Avoid chewing on the side of the operated area. Even if you feel comfortable, chew slowly!

Week 2 and Beyond: Expanding Your Diet

After two weeks, most of your discomfort should be gone. You can gradually start having more textured foods. You can have:

• Soft pasta and cooked rice
• Tender meats such as shredded chicken or slow-cooked beef
• Steamed vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and green beans.
• Pancakes and soft bread
• Smooth Peanut or almond butter

Foods to Avoid for the Next Few Weeks

Certain food items might affect the success rate of your dental implants. Don’t eat the following foods to avoid harming your operated area:

• Crunchy foods such as chips, popcorn, and raw carrots
• Sticky foods such as caramel and chewing gum.
• Tough meats like teak, jerky, or anything that must be chewed aggressively.
• Apples and pears, except if they are cut into super-thin pieces or cooked.
• Carbonated beverages and soft drinks. They can inflame your operated area.
• Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can slow your recovery.

Pro Tips For a Faster Recovery

Recovery after dental implant surgery is not only about food; it’s also about the way you eat. Remember these tips:

• Eat on the other side to allow your implants time to adjust
• Stay well-hydrated, as water aids healing.
• Eat small bites so as not to overwork your jaw
• Avoid extreme temperatures and stick to room temperature foods
• Protein and vitamin intake as nutrients help speed up recovery.

According to research, this particular tooth replacement option has a success rate of approximately 97.8%.

Your dental implant is a significant investment, and providing it with the right care during the first few days is crucial to its long-term success. Choosing the right foods will pave the way for an easy and comfortable healing.

Want more information about the post-op diet? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.