How Long After Dental Implants Can I Eat Normally?

Nutrition during dental implants treatment

There is a lot of anticipation when heading to have a dental implant surgery that restores your smile and confidence; however, there is more to it than the surgery itself. The recovery process entails eating correctly to promote fast recovery after the dental implants surgery. From the time you are discharged from the clinic, food choices determines how well the body heals, or not, after the dental implants surgery.

What can I eat after dental implant surgery?

Soft and healthy foods should be taken after dental implant surgery in order to reduce incidences of post surgery complications. In the first 24-48 hours, it is recommended that one does not consume food that is acidic or abrasive such as lemonade, spicy foods, tomatoes etc as it triggers the inflammation. You should eat eggs and soft fish as they ate effective on regeneration of tissue and assisting the immune system. It is also important to avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods as they may cause the blood clots to dislodge or put pressure on the implants.

It is necessary to drink liquids; however, do not take hot or gaseous beverages can increase blood flow, leading to prolonged bleeding and irritation in the surgical area, while also worsening swelling. The diet taken after the operation of dental implant surgery should be soft and rich in nutrients in order to hasten the healing process and minimize post-operation compactions. Avoid to take anything which is to acidic or abrasive such as lemonade, spicy foods, tomatoes etc for the first 24 to 48 hours because this worsens the swelling.

Clinical studies show if patients take sufficient amount of vitamins A and C in their diets because they help in collagen formation and in the wound healing process. Last but not least do not sip through the straw because sucking through the straw creates vacuum which can pull out the blood clot which was formed at the site of surgery, leading to severe pain referred to as dry socket and slower healing process.

What can I eat within the initial 24-48 hours?

After dental implant surgery, patients should take only food that is soft in nature within 24-48 hours post the surgery. Make more choices such as yogurt, applesauce pureed vegetables and foods that are more pasty and produce little heat. According to a cross-sectional, self-reported questionnaire whose results were published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, patients should eat cottage cheese and tofu because protein especially in these two foods promotes tissue healing and helps in preventing bacterial infection. One should avoid having any meals containing acids or spices as these make the conditions worse and prolong the healing process.

So, how long after dental implants can you eat normally?

In most cases, you are free to start on a normal diet one to two weeks after the dental implant surgery depending on the intensity of the surgery and the rate at which an individual heals. During this period, your gum tissue and bone are stabilizing around the implants, which is crucial for long-term success. Studied data indicate that the first week to the second week after the surgery is the most critical stage, which is why it is better to stick to soft foods so that they do not interfere with the surgical site or implant. Studies suggest that , the correct post-surgery diet with the gradual return to a normal diet may help to minimize the emergence of complications and improve osseointegration.

Foods to avoid after dental implant surgery

Choosing the right foods after dental implant surgery is essential for preventing complications. By avoiding certain items, you can protect the implant site and speed up your healing process.

• Hard foods (e. g. , nuts, raw vegetables): This puts pressure on the implant site making it hard for the healing tissues to cope with the force exerted by hard food substances.
• Sticky foods (e. g. , caramel, toffee): Adherent textures can stick on the implant or stitches and lead to implant dislocation and slow the healing process.
• Crunchy foods (e. g. , chips, crackers): Hard textured foods can apply pressure or even leave debris which in turn negativelly affects the implant area.
• Spicy foods: These can cause abrasion of the delicate tissues surrounding the implant hence raise the level of pain.
• Tough meats (e. g. , steak, jerky): Coarser types of meat are harder to chew, and may well place too much pressure on the implant.
• Hard candies: Hard candies are injurious to the healing tissues at the surgical site, thus prolonging recovery period.
• Chewy meats (e. g. , steak, jerky): These must undergo a lot of grinding which is not good for the implant because it will be shaken around.
• Chewing gum: Such foods can interfere with the progress of the healing process in addition to pulling the implant in different directions.
• Popcorn: Small kernels may end up being stationed near the implant which may lead to either infection or irritation.
• Alcohol: It hampers the healing processes in the body and reduces immun system and blood ciculation. Article in really detailed info about detrimental affects of alchol on dental implanr recovery.
• Carbonated beverages: Bubbles may interfere with post-surgical site and cause irritation or discomfort among the patients.

Crunchy snacks (e. g. , crackers, chips): These are capable of compromising and damaging the healing implant site.

The best drinks after dental implant surgery

Essentially, water is very important in the post-operative dental implant surgery in enhancing the recovery process and to reduce the occurrence of any form of complications. Water is still the best option as it helps in formation of new cells, maintains the moisture of the tissues and eliminates waste products in the body. Herbal teas like the chamomile type of tea which is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds also help in decreasing inflammation and healing of irritated tissues and cells in addition to not containing caffeine like the normal teas or coffee.

Clear broths, rich in nutrients and easy to consume, offer both hydration and essential proteins needed for tissue repair.One should also refrain from taking products containing sugar, taking soda and alcohol as they hinder the healing process by making the body lose a lot of water. As it was learned through the studies, the proper hydration and nutrient intake enhance the recovery period because it contributes to the proper regeneration of tissues and reduces inflammation.

Tips for eating after getting dental implants

• Start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce to avoid pressure on the implant area.
• Drink much water to avoid dehydration of the implant site
• Do not eat hard and crunchy foods such as nuts and chips because they may interfere with the healing process of the affected gum tissue.
• Avoid consumption of acidic and spicy foods such as oranges, hot peppers and any other foods that may trigger irritation on the implant site.
• From this, avoid taking hot drinks since they cause swelling; rather take more of cold or room temperature drinks.
• Also, soft foods with protein should be taken such as scrambled eggs and soft fish to enable the formation of tissues.
• Do not take products with sugar and carbonated substances to avoid having a sore throat and infection.

After a week add more solid foods even though avoid chewing on hard and sticky foods that may cause harm to the implants.