Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique placement in your jaw. They eventually integrate with the bone to become a more permanent part of your mouth than alternatives like dentures or dental bridges. As a result, they usually come with fewer dietary restrictions.
However, some common culprits can hurt your implant if you indulge in them too quickly after your surgery. Continue reading to learn about 3 foods to avoid immediately following your procedure!
Option #1: Anything Hot or Spicy
If you plan to eat after your implant surgery, it’s best to avoid anything too hot or spicy until the numbing medications wear off. Otherwise, you might inadvertently burn or irritate your tender tissues, causing additional aches that could have been avoided.
Then, in the days following, it’s often recommended that patients stick to blander, room-temperature options that won’t trigger additional irritation or inflammation as your connective tissues heal. This is partly because consuming overly hot foods or drinks can damage or dislodge the blood clot that must form over the site for it to heal. If it’s injured, your mouth must form a new one, adding potential days or weeks to your recovery timeline.
Option #2: Sticky or Chewy Sweets
It takes about three to six months or longer for your jaw to generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the titanium support rod of your restoration. You should try to avoid eating anything too sticky or chewy that could push or yank the pole until it’s more solidly fused in place.
Furthermore, too many sugary snacks can attract harmful bacteria that contribute to common oral issues, like cavities, gum disease, and the leading cause of failure, peri-implantitis. If you’re craving something sweet during recovery, why not enjoy pudding, Jello, or yogurt instead?
Option #3: Hard Fruits or Veggies
Filling your body with wholesome foods gives it all the nutrients it needs to function at its peak, which reduces the risk of developing complications after your implant procedure. However, many healthy choices, like raw fruits and veggies, are hard to bite into and chew.
You might damage your restoration or instigate aches and inflammation if you don’t cook them to soften them first. You can also try blended fruit smoothies, but don’t drink them through a straw, because the force of suction can dislodge your blood clot.
Your dentist will likely provide a comprehensive list of post-op instructions for you to follow, including a list of foods to avoid. Following their directions carefully is the best way to recover quickly and without complications after dental implant placement!
Meet the Author
Dr. Sheren Elsaid is passionate about providing stress-free visits to help patients enhance their dental health and improve their daily lives. She earned her dental degree from Temple University and then completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through the New York University Langone Dental Medicine Program. Today, she offers a variety of services to help with everything from basic preventive care to more complex procedures, including implants. You can request an appointment on the website or call (973) 370-5221.