Dental implant surgery is a significant step towards restoring your oral health. As you prepare for your surgery, you may wonder: What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
In this post, we’ll guide you through the dietary recommendations you need to consider during your recovery period, including the best types of food to eat and which ones to avoid. We will also provide five meal ideas that are nutritious and gentle on your healing mouth.
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After dental implant surgery, it’s important to eat a nutritious soft food diet to ensure you get the nutrients you need to support healing. Soft foods like yogurt, pureed fruit and vegetables, cottage cheese and bone broths will give you the calories and nutrients you need to recover and heal.
Why Is Diet Important After Dental Implant Surgery?
A healthy and balanced diet is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. This is especially true after having surgery.
Here’s why:
- Promotes healing: A well-balanced diet of proteins, vitamins, and minerals provides the necessary building blocks for tissue repair and regeneration. It can also help boost your immune system, which is critical in fighting off potential infections.
- Supports bone and tissue health: Dental implant surgery involves the placement of a metal post into your jaw bone, which will eventually fuse with the surrounding bone. Eating foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein can help promote strong bones and tissues.
- Prevents complications: Following a proper diet can minimize the risk of complications such as infection, delayed healing, or implant failure
Now that you understand why a nutrient-rich diet is important, let’s dive into what types of food you should and shouldn’t eat.
Recommended Foods After Dental Implant Surgery
During the first few days after surgery, your mouth will be sensitive and require special care. We recommend eating a soft diet that is easy to chew and swallow. Some examples of recommended foods during this initial recovery period include:
- Soups: Broth-based soups are an excellent source of nutrients and can be easily consumed without requiring much chewing. You can also add pureed vegetables or soft-cooked grains for variety and added nutrition.
- Smoothies: Blending soft fruits and vegetables with yogurt or milk is a great way to get essential vitamins and minerals in an easily digestible form. You can also add protein powder for extra nutrition.
- Soft-cooked eggs: Eggs are high in protein, which promotes tissue repair. Soft-boiled, scrambled, or poached eggs are all gentle on the mouth and provide a satisfying meal.
- Mashed potatoes: Boiled or mashed potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, which can provide much-needed energy during your recovery.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a light and nutritious snack that provides protein, calcium, and probiotics for optimal oral health. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid any irritation from added sugars.
- Cottage cheese and soft cheeses: These are excellent sources of protein and calcium, both essential for healing after surgery.
- Home-made bone broth: Bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid that provides essential minerals and amino acids for tissue repair. It’s also easy to consume and can be soothing on the healing surgical site.
- Smooth soups: Pureed or blended soups, such as pumpkin or carrot soup, are easy to consume and provide a good source of nutrients.
- Soft fruits: Mashed bananas, ripe avocados, and cooked applesauce are all gentle on the mouth while providing necessary vitamins and minerals.
- Oatmeal: Cooked oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and can help keep you full and satisfied while on a soft diet.
- Soft-cooked Fish, such as salmon or tilapia, can provide a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for healing. Make sure to cook it until soft and flaky.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can irritate your healing surgical site or cause damage to your new dental implants. It’s important to avoid the following foods during your initial recovery period:
- Hard foods: Hard foods like nuts, chips, and hard candies can put too much pressure on your dental implants and may cause them to shift or become loose.
- Crunchy foods: Foods like carrots, apples, and raw vegetables can irritate the surgical site. If you’d still like to consume these types of food, make sure they are cooked or pureed for easier consumption.
- Spicy foods: Spices like chilli and hot sauce can cause discomfort and even burning sensations on the healing surgical site.
- Acidic foods: Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can irritate the soft tissues in your mouth. Avoid these types of food until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead to resume a regular diet.
Now that you know what foods you should and shouldn’t eat, here are five meal ideas to help you get started.
5 Meal Ideas for After Dental Implant Surgery
- Chicken and vegetable soup: This hearty soup is easy to make and provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins for healing.
- Mashed sweet potatoes with soft-cooked fish: This meal combines the softness of mashed sweet potatoes with the protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the fish for a well-balanced meal.
- Protein smoothie: Blend together your choice of soft fruits (avoiding fruit with small seeds), yogurt, and protein powder for a nutrient-dense drink that’s gentle on the mouth.
- Scrambled eggs with avocado on soft bread: This classic breakfast combination provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates for energy.
- Cottage cheese parfait: Layer soft fruits and plain cottage cheese for a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert.
Keep in mind that no two mouths are the same, so what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different foods to see which ones work for you. Stop and try a different food if you experience discomfort or pain while eating.
Your diet will gradually return to normal as your mouth heals, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and stick to a soft diet for as long as necessary.
Tips To Ensure a Successful Recovery
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Take pain medication as prescribed: Take pain medication prescribed for two or three days after surgery. When you are able, switch to an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Avoid smoking and vaping: Smoking and vaping will impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Smoking puts you at risk of developing peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection that can develop in smokers. If you are a smoker, you should refrain from smoking for a minimum of 4 weeks post-surgery.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth gently and rinse with warm salt water to keep your mouth clean and free from bacteria that can cause infection. Do not brush around the surgical site for the first seven days. Do not rinse vigorously for 14 days after surgery. Use mouth rinses as prescribed.
We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to follow after your surgery. Read these instructions before your surgery so that you are prepared and know what to expect.
Read these blogs to learn more about dental implants and dental implant recovery:
Dental Implant Parts: What Are The 3 Components of Dental Implants
The Importance of Nutrition for the Success of Dental Implants
The Impact of Smoking on Dental Implants: Why It’s Crucial to Quit
AZ Max Oral Surgeons-Your Dental Implant Specialists
We are excited to be a part of your dental implant journey and are here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality care and help you achieve a successful outcome.
If you have any questions or concerns about your diet or recovery after surgery, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced oral surgeons are happy to provide guidance and ensure your recovery is smooth and comfortable.
If you are considering dental implants and are looking for a dental implant specialist, call (480) 830-5866 to book a free dental implant consultation with one of our surgeons.
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To book a free dental implant consultation at one of our locations, call 480) 830-5866 or complete the online booking form.
