Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically inserted into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Once in place, the implant will fuse with the bone over several months. After the implant fuses, an artificial tooth is attached, providing a natural-looking and long-lasting solution.
The procedure is generally safe and effective, but it is essential to take good care of your dental implants to ensure they last. You should know what foods to avoid after dental implant surgery to avoid damaging the implants.
Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, are essential to remove plaque and bacteria around the implants. By taking care of your dental implants, you can help ensure your dental implant surgery is a success and enjoy many years of trouble-free smiles.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant: Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia, and flaxseeds are high in zinc and omega fatty acids and are essential for healing after dental implant surgery. However, their small, hard particles can become lodged in the implant site.
If you want to eat nuts or seeds, remove the shells and grind the seeds into a powder before eating them, or add nut butter or seed butter to smoothies. These precautions allow you to enjoy these foods without damaging your dental implants. Visit this link to learn more.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant: Raw Vegetables and Fruits
Raw vegetables can be hard on dental implants. They can scratch the surface of the implant or even dislodge it. To ensure you get adequate vegetables in your diet while you recover, steam, boil or roast them until they are soft and mash them into a smooth puree.
Also, avoid hard fruits because biting into a hard fruit can break dental implants. Opt for fruit purees or smoothies instead.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant: Citrus Fruits, Chillies, and Tomatoes
Citrus fruits, chillies and tomatoes are highly acidic and can irritate the gum tissue around the implant. Avoid eating these foods, or rinse your mouth with fresh water after consuming them to avoid inflammation of the implant site while you recover.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant: Lollies
Hard, sticky, and chewy lollies can damage dental implants because they can stick to the implant and cause decay to the surrounding teeth. Lollies like toffee and caramel can also dislodge the implant. It is best to avoid lollies and other hard sweets rather than risk any of these issues.
You should also avoid sugary drinks and alcohol as they can increase inflammation and slow the healing process.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant: Chips, Popcorn, and Crackers
Avoid eating chips, popcorn, crackers and other hard, crumbly foods for several weeks after dental implant surgery. Chips and popcorn can cause dental implants to become loose or even fall out. Crackers can get caught between the implant and your gum line, leading to irritation and inflammation.
What Foods Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
A healthy balanced diet is essential for recovery after dental implant surgery—foods high in protein, healthy fats, zinc, iron and vitamin C help to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
After dental implant surgery, it is essential to eat soft and easy-to-chew foods. For the first 48 hours after surgery, consume a non-chew diet of broths, smoothies, and meal replacement protein shakes. For the next two weeks, stick to eating blended soups, yoghurt, eggs, fish, braised meat, and vegetable mashes.
In moderation, you can also enjoy cold, soft foods like ice cream, frozen yoghurt, and jelly. The cool temperature can help numb the dental implant site, reduce inflammation, and minimise swelling.
Available Dental Care: Get a Free Consultation at Your Local Dental Clinic
Losing your teeth can be a traumatic experience, and it can also significantly impact your self-confidence. Fortunately, dental implant surgery can help you regain your smile. Available Dental Care has dentists that offer a free consultation and a cutting-edge treatment plan, which can provide you with a natural-looking and durable missing tooth replacement solution.
With dental implant surgery, you can once again enjoy your favourite foods and activities without worrying about your teeth. Contact us today on (02) 4062 8763 to schedule a free dental consultation near you and learn more about how we can help you regain your smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental care and teeth cleaning
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning
Tooth Extraction: Procedure, Cost, Aftercare & Recovery Time
https://askthedentist.com/tooth-extraction/