What can you eat and drink after a dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a significant procedure that requires careful post-operative care to ensure successful healing. One of the most crucial aspects of recovery is your diet.
Knowing what you can eat and drink after dental implant surgery can make a significant difference in your healing process and overall comfort.
This article will guide you through the best foods and drinks to consume post-surgery, as well as what to avoid, to ensure a smooth and fully healed result following the recovery period.
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Foods to eat immediately after dental implant surgery
In the 48 hours after dental implant surgery, your mouth will be sensitive, hence it is essential to follow a soft and cold diet to avoid disturbing the surgical site and increasing.
- Yoghurt: Soft and cold, yoghurt is an excellent option that is gentle on the gums.
- Smoothies: Make sure they are not too thick and avoid using straws as the suction can disturb the implant site.
- Applesauce or puree: Smooth and easy to swallow, it provides some nutritional value without needing to chew.
- Mashed potatoes: Soft and can be eaten cold or at room temperature.
- Ice cream: Without nuts or other hard additives, it’s soothing and easy to consume.
What can you drink immediately after dental implant surgery
It´s also important to keep hydrated after the surgery to aid healing. Some options of drinks in the first 48 hours after the surgery include:
- Water: Essential for hydration and rinsing your mouth.
- Cold broth: Nutritious and easy to consume.
- Juice: Preferably non-acidic to avoid irritation.
Foods to eat after dental implant surgery
As you progress through the first week of the dental implant procedure recovery process, you can slowly start incorporating more variety into your diet, while still focusing on soft and easy-to-chew foods.
Some options you may want to include are:
- Scrambled eggs: Soft and easy to chew, they are also a good source of protein which is great for recovery.
- Oatmeal: Soft and easy to digest, but let it cool before eating.
- Soft pasta: Make sure it is well-cooked and soft.
- Cottage cheese: Soft and nutritious.
- Soup: Warm, not hot, soups without large chunks are ideal.
Foods to avoid after dental implant surgery
Certain foods and drinks should be avoided immediately after surgery and for some weeks following, to ensure optimal healing.
- Crunchy foods: Such as crisps, popcorn, and nuts, which can disturb the surgical site.
- Spicy foods: Can irritate the mouth and surgical site.
- Acidic foods: Citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause discomfort and delay healing.
- Sticky foods: Such as caramels and chewing gum, can adhere to the surgical site.
- Hard foods: Like raw vegetables and tough meat, which require significant chewing.
Eating this will result in increasing the risk of complications following your oral surgery, hence it´s best to be cautious.
When can you eat normal food?
The reintroduction of normal foods should be gradual. Typically, after about a week, you can start to slowly add more solid foods back into your diet, depending on your comfort level and your dentist's advice.
- First 2 weeks post-surgery: You can start eating more solid foods but still avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods.
- After 2 weeks: you can usually go back to a normal diet, but it is always best to follow your dentist’s specific recommendations.
Tips for eating with dental implants
- Chew on the opposite side than usual: If possible, try to chew food on the side opposite to where the implant was placed.
- Take small bites: use small bites and chew slowly to avoid disturbing the implant site.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, and avoiding vigorous swishing. Not only will this help your dental implant to heal properly, but it will also help maintain the oral health of your natural teeth.
What can you drink after dental implant surgery?
You have slightly more freedom with drinks you can consume after the dental surgery, as long as you avoid hot drinks after dental implant treatment. Some good ways to stay hydrated is drinking water or any of the following if you want something more filling:
- Milk: Provides calcium and protein.
- Smoothies: Continue to enjoy these, ensuring they are not too thick.
- Herbal tea: At a lukewarm temperature as hot temperatures might irritate the surgery site.
Drinks to avoid after dental implant procedure
The following drink options may interfere with the healing after your treatment:
- Alcohol: Can interfere with the healing process and should be avoided, especially in the first week.
- Hot drinks: Such as coffee and tea, which can cause bleeding and discomfort.
- Carbonated beverages: They can cause irritation and are best avoided.