Has Dr. Donn just given you some stunning new dental implants? Because they have all the strength and durability of natural teeth, you might feel that you’re ready to chow down on your old favorite foods, but think before you eat.
The weeks after your surgery are crucial in the healing process. Your new implants are undergoing osseointegration, meaning that they’re fusing to your jawbone to fully integrate themselves. Chewing hard food can disrupt and dislodge the new implant.
What To Eat The Day After Dental Implant Surgery
Immediately after your dental implant surgery, your teeth and jaw need some time to recover. Ideally, try to stick to liquids or extremely soft foods. Make sure that you do not use a straw! The vacuum effect in your mouth can irritate the surgical site.
- Smoothies: Healthy and filling, smoothies are an excellent way to start your day after surgery. Plus, fruits like bananas help replenish lost electrolytes and maintain balance within your body.
- Applesauce: Apples are too hard for your dental implants at this stage, but applesauce sure is the next best thing. Enjoy this as a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
- Chilled Soups: It is important to avoid extremely hot food and liquids, but cold soups like gazpacho soup can be great for lunch.
What To Eat In The Weeks After Dental Implant Surgery
As your mouth heals and your new implants fully integrate with your mouth, you will slowly be able to reintroduce more solids into your diet. There are plenty of delicious, filling options for you to explore while your diet transitions back to normal. Remember, try to opt for food high in nutrients and protein to quicken the healing process.
- Eggs/Omelets: Eggs are high in protein and healthy fats without placing additional strain on your mouth. It is easy to incorporate fruits and vegetables like broccoli, onions, and peppers into omelets as well, boosting the nutrient content of your meal.
- Chicken, Fish, Ground Beef: Finely chopped, softer meats are great foods to help you transition back to a regular diet. Chicken salads and pasta, beef casseroles and tuna can be introduced to heighten your protein intake.
- Potatoes: Because of their versatility, potatoes are excellent for mixing up your diet if you’re beginning to grow bored with the same foods. There are many ways to cook potatoes while retaining their soft texture, making them easy on new dental implants.
- Soft Dairy: Milk, yogurt and softened cheeses are great snacks to munch on in place of crunchy or chewy items. Dairy is rich in calcium and protein, keeping your teeth healthy and strong. If you decide to treat yourself to ice cream, make sure that there aren’t any chewy or chunky surprises that could irritate the surgical sites.
What Not To Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
Avoid chewing gum, crunchy and chewy items as well as food with small particles like rice that can get stuck in the surgical site. Steer clear of hot foods, and avoid tough items like steak and jerky. The healing process is different for everyone, so there is no one size fits all amount of time before you can start eating normally again. Take care of your new dental implant like you would take care of your natural teeth—with regular dental visits, a healthy diet, and regular brushing and flossing.
Contact Craig S. Donn, DDS To Get Started
If you have been suffering from missing or damaged teeth, you don’t have to wait one day longer to regain the beautiful and confident smile that you’ve always dreamed of having. Dr. Donn and his talented team can restore your teeth with natural-looking dental implants. Call our office in Cherry Hill, NJ today to schedule a consultation and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and strong smile.