Like other dental operations, patients can expect some discomfort after dental implant surgery. They may also experience pain, bleeding, and swelling. This is why dentists advise patients to follow a dental implant recovery diet to ensure an efficient healing process.
Your dental implant needs to undergo osseointegration first for it to anchor firmly to your jawbone. This is a critical step that has the most impact on your implant’s stability and longevity. If this process is affected because of pressure from chewing or biting, the implant might not integrate into the bone and lead to implant failure. Learn when it’s safe to eat normally after dental implant surgery.
When To Eat Normally
It usually takes three to six months before it’s safe for patients to eat normally after implant surgery. This is mainly because they need to avoid any extensive movement of their mouths that might affect the osseointegration process. On top of that, it takes time for your teeth, gums, and jawbone to fully recover, especially in the first few days, so it’s harder to eat.
As such, in the first 24 hours after your surgery, patients are advised to consume only cold drinks and food to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. These include smoothies, milkshakes, applesauce, fruit juices, and cold soups.
What To Eat After My Surgery
Once you are more comfortable eating, stick to a soft food diet since it doesn’t require much chewing. Some examples are eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, oatmeal, and yogurt. You can also slowly integrate meat, chicken, and fish into your diet and chop them into smaller pieces. Aside from that, you must always stay hydrated as it helps compensate for your limited food intake.
You should also avoid eating spicy food, drinking alcoholic beverages, and drinking from a straw. This is because your gums are still vulnerable, and the sucking motion from a straw can cause bleeding.
Turn to Experts
Following a dental implant recovery diet is only temporary, and it will all be worth it once you’ve fully recovered from the surgery. If you would like to learn more about dental implants, visit Affordable Smiles. Our dental offices in Metairie, Gretna, Hammond, Baton Rouge, and Gulfport are always open to answer any queries you have. Contact us to book an appointment today!