Smiling Old Couple with a Dog in BetweenOne 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 will be required to avoid certain types of 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 the recovery process and what to expect after dental implant surgery.

Icon of BedTake time to rest – you will not need to be down long, but the day of and the day after your surgery should be days of rest.

Icon of Toothbrush With PastePractice proper oral hygiene – you will be provided with a detailed schedule for when and how you should perform oral hygiene after dental implant surgery. Be sure to follow it.

Icon of Water BottlesStay hydrated – one of the biggest keys to recovery is hydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days after your surgery, but avoid using a straw as the sucking motion could disturb your incision sites.

Icon of Face With SwellingMinor bleeding and swelling are expected – minor bleeding and swelling should be expected immediately after surgery. Use ice packs to reduce swelling and gauze to control bleeding.

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

Immediately following the placement of your dental implants, 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:

Icon of Chili Pepper
Spicy – hot peppers or hot salsa

Icon of Bag of Chips
Crunchy – popcorn, chips, and nuts

Icon of Hot Cup of Tea
Hot – coffee, tea, and hot soup

Icon of Citrus Fruit Slice
Acidic – tomatoes and oranges

Icon of Gum Candy
Sticky – taffy and gum

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:

Icon of PoultryProteins – eggs, omelets, chicken, fish, ground beef, turkey

Icon of BananaHealthy carbohydrates – sweet potatoes, bananas, oats, blueberries

Icon of AvocadoHealthy fats – avocados, nut butters, edamame, olives

Icon of CheeseDairy – cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes

Food to Avoid

Chips and Salsa

Dr. Ficca recommends dental implants patients continue to avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, acidic, or sticky foods in the weeks after the placement of their dental implants. You should only begin eating these foods once Dr. Ficca releases you to do so.

Guide to Eating After Getting Dental Implants

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!

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 have 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 provided by Dr. Ficca and his team. 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.