Once you’re healed from dental implant surgery, you’ll be able to eat whatever you want because of the stability provided by the artificial tooth root.
However, there are restrictions on your diet during the healing process and you might be wondering what you need to avoid immediately following implant surgery. Read on to find out what you can eat with your new dental implants.
Because the implant site is very tender and sensitive, you will need to avoid disrupting the implant site as much as possible. You will need to avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods immediately after implant placement.
For at least the first week, you will need to stick to soft foods only. Chew on the other side of your mouth to avoid food particles getting stuck in the implant site. Spicy and acidic foods may also be irritating and cause sensitivity.
Foods to avoid include, nuts, seeds, tough meats, candy, popcorn, and chips. You will need to avoid alcohol and hot beverages, and avoid drinking through a straw for at least the first 24 hours.
Immediately after implant placement, your mouth will still be numb so don’t eat or drink anything other than water until the numbing agent has worn off. For the first day or two, you will need to stick to a mostly liquid diet, because you need to keep chewing to a minimum.
In the first 2 days, we recommend consuming foods that avoid chewing as much as possible, such as broth-based soups, protein shakes, yogurt, applesauce, pudding, smoothies, and ice cream. After that, you should continue to stick to soft foods for 1 to 2 weeks.
This includes mashed potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, rice, bread, and eggs. As time goes on, you can start to incorporate slightly chewier foods into your diet. Follow the guidance of your dentist in Elroy if you are wondering if it’s safe to start eating hard foods again. It should be completely avoided for at least the first 2 weeks.
Other helpful tips for speeding up your recovery and reducing pain and swelling are to avoid smoking and mouth rinses for the first 24 hours. Take it easy for a few days and avoid strenuous exercise. Make sure to stay hydrated and consume enough protein during your recovery.
24 hours after implant surgery, you can rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution a few times a day. After the first day, you can brush and floss your teeth as long as you avoid the implant site. Use cold compresses and elevate your head to reduce swelling.
Dental implant placement is a revolutionary oral surgery that can replace your teeth with the most solid and biocompatible replacement that restores the tooth’s root and crown to effectively prevent bone loss and shifting teeth.
If you’re interested in replacing missing teeth with the most natural-feeling and looking alternative, then implants might be right for you. Contact us at Wojtowicz Dental today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Emily Wojtowicz.
Proudly serving dental patients in Mauston, Elroy, and
surrounding cities in Wisconsin!