Discovering which foods and beverages are considered to be safe and which ones are best to avoid after dental implant surgery is an essential part of your recovery. You will be advised to avoid using straws or participating in any kind of sucking motion post surgery, including smoking. The tender gum tissue is busy clotting and healing after the procedure. This delicate tissue can become inflamed or infected if suction within the mouth interferes with healing gum tissue.
Stock Up On Soft Foods
Mashing or blending your food is highly recommended. Adopting a soft food diet can be nutritious and creative. A food processor or blender will be very useful for this stage of healing. Great soft food ideas include: homemade applesauce, bananas, avocado, creamed soups, soft cheeses, Jell-O, yogurt, hummus, oatmeal, baby cookies, mashed potatoes, baked beans, soft tofu, pudding, protein shakes and more! It is great to stock up on your soft foods prior to surgery so that you can relax and heal as your dental implants gradually become one with the surrounding gum tissue. Consume shakes and protein drinks with a spoon or sip them gently to ensure you avoid using a straw.
Foods To Avoid After Dental Implant Therapy
It is recommended to stick to a very neutral and fairly bland diet during your post-surgery healing. Avoid hot or extremely cold foods and beverages. Stay away from citrus juices and fruits including tomatoes and tomato sauces. Spicy foods may irritate the gum line and cause irritation. Tiny and nuts are best avoided including poppy seeds, caraway seeds and sesame seeds. Hard and crumbly foods including crackers, chips and popcorn are also not advised until healing is complete. Chewy foods and sticky candies, along with any other food that makes you open your jaw widely are best avoided. Do not use any straws or participate in any sucking motion common with enjoying shakes and smoothies etc. as this can disrupt blood clot formation and lead to the painful condition of dry socket.
Follow-Up Visits Are Essential For Dental Implant Therapy
Ensure that you are following all post operative instructions for your single dental implant, dental implant bridge or All-on-4 complete arches. Maintain your follow up dental visits to ensure your oral health and well being is maintained during the transition to osseointegration and complete healing. Do not hesitate to contact your dentist if you experience any discomfort, pain or irritation. Certain adjustments may have to be made once your dental implants are secure. This is a normal part of many dental restorations. Our tissues expand and contract throughout pre and post surgery. The patience and care you give yourself as your mouth heals is well worth the wait! You will be able to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages much faster once you have allowed all of the healing to take place.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
Don’t suffer the pain, irritation or embarrassment of a damaged smile any longer. Dental implant therapy is not an overnight solution. If you are curious to see if this permanent restoration can help you love a functional and healthy smile, book a consultation with Harrell Dental Implant Center, Charlotte NC.
