Foods to Avoid after Implant Surgery

Dental implant and periodontal surgeries are invasive with possible operative complications that might delay your healing. Several factors determine the success of dental surgery;

• Your physical anatomy
• Health condition
• Gum and oral health
• Smoking status
• Dentist’s skills

Additionally, your diet and oral hygiene practices will affect not only the healing process but also how long the implants last.

To optimize your healing process, your diet will have to change at least for the first few days. Your dietary strategies should account for the swelling of the gums and tissues.

Foods to Avoid

For the first 10 to 14 days you need to strictly adopt a soft diet which provides nutrients to patients without the ability to eat and chew. The diet includes tender foods, fluids, and lightly seasoned solid foods. Fried foods and highly seasoned foods should be omitted.

After your procedure, your mouth will be sensitive. Furthermore, the implant will be undergoing osseointegration, where it is fused to your bone. So, avoid hard foods that can potentially interrupt osseointegration before the process is complete and dislodge the implant.

• Sugary and acidic foodsSugary soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acid that eats your enamel and cause erosion. Furthermore, bacteria feed on sugar and too much consumption can cause an infection.
• Crunchy foods like cookies, crackers, nuts, seeds, and chipsNot only do these foods loosen the implants, but also can stick in the ridges of your teeth and feed new bacteria
• Extreme hot and cold foodsDental implants are made of titanium which retains heat more easily than the human tissues. Drinking hot liquids will cause the implants to heat up and burn the surrounding cells, and with repeated damage, the implant will loosen.

  Also, don’t consume hot and cold foods together. The dental crown is made of porcelain which expands with heat and contracts when exposed to cold drinks. This may cause the crown to crack and chip.

• Spicy and fried foodsThese foods may irritate the surgical area thereby hindering the healing process and cause pain.
• Alcohol beveragesAvoid alcohol for at least a week after periodontal surgery. Alcohol interferes with osseointegration and increases the risk of dental implant failure. Plus, it increases pain, sensitivity and causes dry mouth.

  Avoid using a straw while drinking any beverages. Straws can loosen blood clots which are essential to healing.

Foods to Eat Post-Surgery

It’s not enough to discuss what not to eat; you have to know what is acceptable and can support overall dental health.

• EggsConsuming lean meat after dental surgery is next to impossible, but you still need protein, and eggs are the best options. Scrambled eggs are nutrient-packed especially if mixed with milk and vegetables.
• YogurtNatural or plain yogurt is rich in protein and calcium which strengthens your teeth. Furthermore, it contains probiotics are good bacteria that will benefit your gums and prevent cavities.
• CheeseAccording to research cheese raises pH and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Plus, it increases saliva in the mouth. Cheese is rich in calcium, proteins which strengthen the enamel.
• Drink soups and brothsChicken and beef broths are a suitable option. Try to avoid juices as they are acidic and high in sugar

Food to Minimize Over the Long Term

After the osseointegration process is successful, you can eat whatever you like. However, there are various foods you should minimize the overall health of the implants.

• Coffee, tea and red wineStrong-colored beverages will not only stain the implants but also the natural teeth as well, especially when consumed in large quantities.
• Sugary foodsLimit sugar food as they can promote decay-causing bacteria. Plus, they contribute to weight gain.

Contact Our Dentist for A Long-lasting Dental Solutions

The foods that you eat during and after the dental surgery will affect your healing process and the durability of the implants. However, it’s important to note that the type of surgery and the dentist’s experience and skills will also affect success, therefore choose a qualified dentist. At Compassion Smiles, we will offer your quality surgery and proper post-surgery care to ensure the implants last for long.