Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike bridges and dentures, these replacements are surgically placed in your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone to become a more permanent part of your mouth.
But you must follow your provider’s post-operative instructions carefully, including dietary restrictions, to avoid potential complications during your recovery period. If you’re unsure what foods to steer clear of, continue reading to learn more about it!
What Happens During the Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants are unique because they include a support rod, usually made from titanium or zirconia, that’s strategically placed in your jaw. It can take 3 to 6+ months to recover, because that’s often how long it takes the mouth to generate enough new bone growth to envelope this rod fully.
If this process of osseointegration is unsuccessful, you are more likely to experience failure. Furthermore, your mouth must form a blood clot at the site to protect the recently exposed nerves and bone tissues, which can potentially be damaged or dislodged if you are careless about what you eat.
What Foods Should I Avoid Following Dental Implant Surgery?
It’s natural to feel sore and inflamed after your procedure, and eating certain ingredients might trigger additional irritation. Not only that, but you might also injure the blood clot that’s necessary for recovery if you aren’t careful. For example, having anything spicy after surgery is likely to leave you feeling more tender than you would have otherwise.
As a result, your provider will give you a list of post-operative instructions that are intended to help your mouth mend as quickly as possible while avoiding potential pitfalls. They’ll likely recommend steering clear of anything too hard or crunchy, such as raw fruits and veggies, tough meats, or hard candies, that could push your new implant out of place.
It’s usually also best to avoid anything too sugary, spicy, or hot, which can irritate your gums, dislodge the blood clot, and attract harmful bacteria that increase the likelihood of developing an infection.
What Softer Foods Can I Enjoy Instead?
Filling your body with wholesome meals can support your oral and overall health during recovery, but you might feel unsure which soft foods are safe, soft, and nutritious. Some popular options include:
- Scrambled eggs.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Yogurt.
- Ice cream.
- Blended fruit smoothies (in a cup without a straw)
- Applesauce
Enjoying softer foods rich in beneficial ingredients can help support recovery following dental implant placement!
About the Practice
Patients with Georgia Periodontics, LLC benefit from two periodontists eager to help you build and maintain a healthy, happy smile. Dr. Litterer and Dr. Scher share 20+ years of combined experience and collaborate to offer a variety of complex and surgical treatments to improve your dental health, including placing dental implants in Dunwoody. Their compassionate approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology to deliver more comfortable, accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling one of their conveniently located offices near you!