When you are missing one or more teeth, your ability to eat a variety of foods is impacted, which can significantly reduce your options. Dental implants restore your ability to eat most foods because they are inserted into the jawbone, which means they function like natural teeth.
However, it’s important to note that this is a process. You will not immediately be able to eat anything you like. You must allow your body time to heal and for the process of osseointegration to occur. Osseointegration is the process involving the implant becoming a part of the jawbone as the jawbone fuses with it.
If you are missing one or more teeth, the team at Rainier Ave Dental in Seattle offers several tooth replacement options, including dental implants. In this article, we’ll explain the foods you should and should not eat while recovering from dental implants.
Foods to Eat after Dental Implant Surgery
During the first 1 to 2 days following dental implant surgery, it’s best to stick with a cool liquid diet. Additionally, you should avoid smoking or tobacco use, alcohol, and drinking through a straw.
After the first few days, you can transition to soft foods. Experts recommend that you stick with soft foods for a minimum of 3 months, possibly up to 6.
Food to Eat to Promote Recovery
For the first few days following implant placement, you should stick to foods that are cold and do not require chewing including:
- Smoothies
- Cold soups
- Applesauce and other fruit purees
- Other cool liquids including fruit juices/nectars and gelatin- after a few days, you can include pudding, milk, and milkshakes
After a few days, you can begin to transition to a soft food diet- even if you are wearing a temporary prosthesis. It is critical to exercise care for at least the first three months because the jawbone is healing around and fusing with the implants. If you bite down on something hard, you could cause the implant to shift, which can cause complications.
Recommended foods include:
- Eggs/omelets
- Potatoes
- Soft bread
- Fish
- Chicken
- Ground beef
- Pasta
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Soft fruits and veggies
- Oatmeal
- Other soft foods as tolerated
Foods to Avoid
In order to avoid damaging the new implant, its necessary that you avoid foods and beverages that are crunchy, tough, chewy, sticky, spicy, acidic, or very hot for at least a few weeks.
Why Should I Avoid Dairy after Dental Implants?
While dairy products are full of vitamins and minerals that are good for you and can promote healing, it’s important to avoid these immediately following implant placement.
This is because dairy can cause the surgical site to become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to infection and implant failure.
Lactose is present in milk and other dairy products, which is known to trigger nausea/vomiting- especially in patients with lactose intolerance. Vomiting introduces stomach acid into the mouth, which can irritate and inflame the incision/surgical site- which can ultimately cause implant failure.
When Can I Return To My Normal Diet?
Experts recommend that you stick with a soft food diet until osseointegration has occurred, which typically takes about 6 months. When you do begin to transition back to your normal diet, it’s best to gradually introduce these foods back into your diet.
Schedule Your Consultation Today On Us!
If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule your complimentary dental implant consultation with the team at Rainier Ave Dental. We will perform a thorough exam including x-rays to determine if you qualify for dental implants. We will build a custom treatment plan based on our findings to give you the best options.
We are located on Rainier Ave in Seattle. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Dental Implants FAQs
If you have questions or concerns about dental implants or any of our other procedures, please ask! We will be more than happy to work with you so that you understand why certain procedures are being recommended and what you can expect. Below are some of the most common questions we get about dental implants.
When can I eat rice after dental implant surgery?
Since rice is considered a soft food, you should be able to eat it within a few days following implant surgery.
What not to drink after implant surgery?
You should avoid extremely hot beverages as well as alcoholic beverages immediately following dental implant surgery. After a few days, you can add warm beverages back. You should still avoid alcohol while you are healing.
How long does it take for dental implants to settle?
Dental implants can take up to 6 months to settle, depending on your body’s ability to heal. Some patients heal within 3 months, while others may need slightly longer than 6 months.
Can I eat bread after getting dental implant?
Yes, you can eat soft bread after dental implant placement. You should avoid hard, crusty breads for at least a few weeks.
Can I drink coffee with implants?
If you like to enjoy a cup of coffee from time to time, the good news is it is perfectly safe to drink coffee with dental implants. However, you will want to avoid extremely hot beverages immediately following implant placement. It’s best to stick with cool coffee for a few days.
