Dental implants can restore your ability to eat almost any food, from fresh fruits and veggies to savory steaks and everything in between. Before that time comes, however, you will need to go through a complex treatment journey. Part of that journey involves a dental implant surgery in Plymouth, wherein your prosthetic tooth roots will be inserted into your jawbone. Following your surgery, it is important that you temporarily avoid the following types of foods and beverages. Doing so will contribute to a comfortable, complication-free recovery.
Hot and Spicy Foods
Spicy and/or hot foods may irritate your incisions, slow down your recovery, and perhaps even increase your risk of infection. It is best to stick to warm or room-temperature foods and avoid any dishes that have been heavily seasoned.
Alcohol
Under normal circumstances, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional glass of wine or ice-cold beer. However, you should put alcohol consumption on hold during your recovery from dental implant surgery. The alcohol may slow down healing and contribute to excess swelling. It might also interact with your pain medications and lead to dangerous complications.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
It is normal for a patient’s jaw to experience some soreness after surgery. Exerting a lot of energy to consume sticky or chewy foods can lead to increased discomfort. Eating these types of foods might even be impossible if you do not have any of your remaining natural teeth. Therefore, items like pizza crust, chewy candies, and tough meats should be avoided.
Crunchy Foods
Many crunchy foods break down into hard pieces with jagged edges when you chomp down on them. Those little bits of food can irritate your surgical sites, increase your risk of infection, and be an obstacle to your speedy recovery. Some examples of crunchy foods that you should temporarily avoid include popcorn, nuts, chips, and crackers.
How Long Will the Food Restrictions Last?
Every case is a little different, and your oral surgeon will give you some personalized tips to facilitate a smooth recovery. Generally, however, patients are on a “no chew” diet for about one week after their surgery. During that time, you should consume only very soft foods, like applesauce, pudding, and broth-based soups. Then, you can begin to add in “fork tender” foods — anything that you can easily cut with the side of a fork. Broiled fish, soft breads, and meatloaf are all included in that category. Only add alcohol back into your diet when your dental team advises you it is safe to do so.
Dietary adjustments are necessary after dental implant surgery, but any inconvenience they cause is temporary. When your new teeth are in place, you will be able to enjoy virtually any food!
About the Author
Dr. Steve Aveni leads the team at Aveni Dental Professionals. He has decades of experience, and he has undergone advanced training in implant dentistry. He is proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant care. To learn more about Dr. Aveni, our practice, and the services we offer, contact us at 508-746-1918.