Guide to Eating After Getting Dental Implants – What to Eat and What to Avoid

One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that once healed, they do not carry any dietary restrictions. However, in the days and weeks after your surgery, you must avoid certain foods to protect your new implants.

The Recovery Process and What to Expect After Dental Implant Surgery

At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Ficca believes in fully educating every patient about their procedures to ensure they can decide what is ideal for them. Part of that education includes information regarding recovery and what to eat after dental implant surgery.

How Long After Dental Implants Can I Eat Normally?

Once the jawbone has fused with the dental implants, it will be possible to once again return to a normal diet comprised of your favorite foods. It will be key to consult with Dr. Ficca on what to expect, but as a point of reference, it usually takes three to six months before you can get the permanent tooth on the implant and resume your regular diet. However, the healing process varies for each patient and is dependent on your commitment to overall health and wellness.

What Can I Eat Within the Initial 24-48 Hours?

During the first 24-48 hours after your dental implants are placed, your gums will be tender and slightly swollen. Because of this, you should stick to soft foods or liquids immediately after your procedure.

Here is What You Can Eat

Start your recovery off right by preparing your pantry and refrigerator with healthy dietary choices before your surgery day. Even though you may be tempted to eat ice cream at every meal, Dr. Ficca recommends you maintain a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats during your recovery period.

1. Water or flavored water
2. Fruit or vegetable juices
3. Bone broths
4. Protein shakes
5. Puréed soup
6. Greek yogurt
7. Mashed potatoes
8. Scrambled eggs
9. Mashed bananas
10. Herbal tea
11. Applesauce
12. Tofu
13. Pudding
14. Cottage cheese
15. Instant oatmeal
16. Flaky fish

Foods to Avoid After Dental Implants

Immediately after your dental implants are placed, your gums will be tender and swollen. Additionally, your implants will be inserted through tiny incisions in your gums. To protect your gums during this time, it is important to avoid eating foods that are:

The Weeks Following Surgery

In the weeks following the placement of your dental implants, your jaw and gums will continue to heal, and you will be able to start reintroducing more solid foods into your diet. Remember, continue to make healthy, balanced choices to encourage healing.

Here is What You Can Eat

As your diet slowing grows, consider eating foods such as:

Food to Avoid

Dr. Ficca recommends avoiding hard, crunchy, spicy, acidic, or sticky foods in the weeks after dental implant placement. You should only begin eating these foods once Dr. Ficca releases you to do so.

Click to view infographic: Guide to Eating After Getting Dental Implants

After Final Placement of Permanent Crowns

This is when you can get back to enjoying life to the fullest! Dr. Ficca works closely with your dentist to expedite the restoration and placement of your final set of prosthetic teeth. Once Dr. Ficca confirms that the implant and bone are strong enough and your dentist places the new tooth, you will be free to resume your normal diet and enjoy your new teeth!

When Can I Eat Chips After Dental Implants?

Taking proper care of your dental implant is crucial, including avoiding hard or crunchy foods such as chips during the initial healing period, which may last from a few days to several weeks after the procedure. Following specific guidelines and instructions regarding when consuming chips and other similar foods is safe can help you achieve a quicker recovery.

Risks of Not Following Food and Dieting Protocols After Implant Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Ficca after the placement of your dental implants. If you do not, you could experience complications such as excessive bleeding, excessive swelling, pain, infection, or even dental implant failure. If you have questions regarding the food and dieting protocols after implant surgery, do not hesitate to call Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants, and a member of our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you.

Will I Ever Be Able to Eat Normally Again?

The answer to this question is a resounding YES! As we have mentioned, one of the best benefits of dental implants is the fact that you will be able to eat normally once your dental implants have healed and your final set of prosthetic teeth has been placed. You will have no dietary restrictions, and you will be able to eat anything you want without fear or anxiety!

Eating Right is Just One Way to Take Care of Your Implants

While eating right is important during your recovery after the placement of your dental implants, it is not the only thing you can do to ensure success. Be sure to follow everything listed on the post-operation documentation Dr. Ficca and his team provided. This will include resting, proper oral hygiene, pain management, and addressing possible bleeding and swelling after surgery. Properly taking care of your gums and dental implants after surgery will help ensure your procedure is a success and that your teeth last a lifetime.

Think You Are a Candidate for Dental Implants? Consult with Your Local Periodontist

If you have loose, missing, or damaged teeth and believe dental implants may be right for you, call our office in Charlotte today at (704) 544-2224 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Ficca. During your appointment, he will perform a full evaluation, take any needed X-rays, including 3-D cone beam CT scans or images, and explain how dental implants could uniquely benefit you.