Recovering from dental implant surgery requires some temporary changes to your diet in order to give your implant time to heal. It’s mainly in the first week or so that you can expect to make the most adjustments. After that, you will gradually transition back to your normal diet. Here’s information about what to eat and why.
What to Eat Immediately Following Your Surgery
Initially, it can be common to feel a little nervous about eating or to have a lack of appetite. Don’t worry, however. There are many foods that you can eat. Also, it’s important not to skip meals, as you need to nourish your body so that you can heal.
Foods to Eat
During this time, cold liquids and soft foods are best to help protect your implant. Also, softer foods may feel more soothing and can help you avoid biting your lips or cheek while you get used to your new implant. Examples include:
- Smoothies. A great thing about smoothies is that you can add lots of different foods – from yogurt and spinach to fruits and vegetables. That way, you can get many nutrients in one glass! To incorporate protein, consider adding chia seeds, protein powder, peanut butter, or avocado to your smoothies.
- Applesauce. Not only can applesauce provide a good source of vitamins, but it can also feel better because of its cool, soft texture.
- Yogurt. In addition to being a great smoothie ingredient, yogurt is also a good option to eat on its own. The calcium in yogurt can be beneficial for bone strength as you heal.
Along with eating, remember that hydrating your body is important, too! Water is best.
Foods to Avoid
- Tough, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Avoid foods such as popcorn, chips, steak, caramel, or raw vegetables, which may damage your implant.
- Hot or spicy foods and drinks. Stay away from things like hot coffee and soups, or hot peppers, because they can cause bleeding or irritation around the surgical site. Cold soups, such as Gazpacho, are perfectly fine and may be a good source of nutrients.
- Skip the straws. Don’t use straws because the suction can put pressure on your implant and impair healing.
What to Eat After the First Week
You still want to eat soft foods while your implant is bonding to your jawbone. However, you can gradually begin to incorporate other foods as well. Here are some suggestions:
- Eggs. In addition to being a great source of protein, eggs can be prepared in different ways to keep your diet interesting! Consider making an omelet with cheese or soft vegetables like spinach to add additional nutrients.
- Potatoes. Mashed potatoes can be a great option to start with, and you can eventually transition to potatoes prepared in other ways.
- Cheese. Whether you eat it alone or in addition to other foods, cheese can provide a good source of calcium for healthy bones.
- Chicken and fish. When you’re ready to try meat, chicken and fish can be good options. Just be careful to avoid bones in fish. For chicken, consider options such as chicken prepared in a slow cooker, which can be more tender.
- Ground beef. Ground beef can provide a red meat option that’s easier to chew.
Not Sure? Ask Your Dentist
If you have any concerns or questions, it’s always best to check with your dentist in order to avoid any risk of damage to your implant.
Aliso Smiles Provides Dental Implants in Aliso Viejo, CA
If you’re considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, Aliso Smiles provides this service. Dental implants can provide a comfortable, natural-looking, long-lasting option to restore your confident smile and functionality. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Call 949-916-7800 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with quality tooth replacement.