Are you ready to permanently replace your missing teeth? That’s great! Dental implants are an excellent solution to gain a nearly perfect replica of your natural smile. The first step in your journey will be to place posts in your jawbone, which means your mouth might be sore afterward. Don’t worry, here’s what you can expect after dental implant surgery and which foods you’ll want to avoid.
Dental Implant Surgery Recovery
Your dentist will use sedation or anesthesia during your placement surgery to keep you comfortable. Although you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, you might experience some discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Take any prescribed or OTC pain medications as recommended by your dentist. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to manage any swelling or bruising.
You can expect your mouth to be a bit tender for a few days, so you’ll want to stick to softer foods. Not only will they be easier to chew, but they will also allow your tissue time to heal, so nothing compromises the success of your new smile.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
Despite a few limitations in your diet, you’ll still need to stay nourished while recovering; however, avoid anything hot or spicy. Cold soups are a great option for their nutritional content while also helping to soothe the tender tissues. Besides soup, it’s best to skip any chewy, sticky, or hard foods.
Choose softer foods, like mashed potatoes, smoothies, apple sauce, or yogurt. Although most softer foods are fine to eat after implant surgery, don’t have any oatmeal for a few days because the oats can get stuck in the surgical sites. You’ll also want to wait to have any popcorn, chips, nuts, or crackers.
It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Your dentist recommends avoiding alcohol because it can delay the healing process.
Enjoy Your New Smile
After your mouth has healed and you’ve received your restorations, you can eat many of your favorite foods again, but you’ll still want to skip anything hard or sticky. You will regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force because your dental implants will feel like your real teeth. You can enjoy ribs, apples, and many other treats again. If you’ll be having anything that may require a lot of chewing, like steak, cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to eat.
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth. Committing to your oral hygiene will ensure your new smile lasts for decades.
About Dr. Sammi Hadad
Dr. Hadad earned her dental degree at the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School and underwent additional training in geriatric dentistry. She can treat complex issues, like tooth loss. If you’re interested in dental implants, contact our office today to schedule your consultation. As a member of the American Dental Association, you can feel confident your smile is in qualified hands.