Getting dental implants requires at least three appointments, spread out over several months. So, what can you eat during your treatment to get dental implants? And how long after your dental implants can you eat normally? Read on for answers to common questions about eating after dental implant surgery.
What to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
After you’ve had your dental implants placed, you’ll receive post-operative instructions that will help you make smart decisions about what you should eat. Unless your implant specialist tells you otherwise, you should follow these tips:
- Avoid using straws
Straws create a sucking motion that can dislodge blood clots - Drink lots of fluids
Staying hydrated after oral surgery to place dental implants is crucial. Avoid hot beverages, acidic beverages, and alcohol, but be sure to drink plenty of water. - Stick with soft foods initially
For the first few weeks after your surgery, stick with soft, nutritious foods such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed veggies, fruit juices, cottage cheese, applesauce, soups, broths (cooled to room temp), fish, pasta and eggs. - Chew on the other side of your mouth
As you begin introducing more textured foods to the diet, chew on the other side of the mouth. The surgical site is likely to be tender for a while after your surgery, so it will be much more comfortable chewing on the other side of the mouth. - Avoid foods that can get stuck in the surgical site(s)
For six weeks following your surgery, avoid all nuts and seeds, including fruit with seeds, such as strawberries, as they may become stuck in the surgical site. - When in doubt, call your periodontist
If you’re unsure whether a certain food is ok to eat in the days and weeks after getting dental implants, contact your periodontist for advice.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Although recovery from dental implant surgery will likely require modifications to your normal diet, the benefits you’ll reap from having dental implants placed are well worth the temporary restrictions. Dental implants are the only treatment for missing teeth that mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth. In doing so, dental implants offer benefits such as:
- Preventing loss of jawbone
- Preserving your facial appearance
- Restoring your chewing ability
- Restoring your bite force
- Filling gaps in your smile
- Alleviating the need for denture adhesives, soaks, etc.
- Long-lasting durability (20+ years with good oral habits at home)
- Improved oral health
- Improved self-confidence
- Enhanced quality of life
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implant restorations may be the best restorative treatment for you. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or entire arches or teeth.
If you’re ready to restore your mouth to good health, and feel confident about chewing, biting, and smiling, you’re an excellent candidate for a dental implant consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
Do you offer bone grafting before dental implants?
Absolutely. Schrott Perio Implants provides comprehensive periodontal care including bone grafting, gum grafting, crown lengthening, pocket reduction surgery, and much more.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consult in Belmont, MA
To schedule an appointment at Schrott Period Implants, named a Top Boston Dentist since 2017, call 617-484-9240 or email us.