How Long After Dental Implants Can I Eat Normally?
Have questions about your upcoming dental implant treatment? Or concerns about how your new smile is healing? Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite.
For the first two weeks following your dental implant surgery, stick to a soft food diet only. Then, once these two weeks have passed, you can begin to reintroduce hard foods into your everyday routine. This temporary diet modification supports a smooth, successful recovery.
How long after dental implants can I eat normally?
The implantologists at Yorkshire Dental Suite recommend waiting at least two weeks before returning to your usual eating plan. Start with liquid foods for the first 48 hours after your procedure, before moving onto soft foods. If you have any concerns about making changes to your diet, consult with your doctor or dietician.
Why do I need to change my diet after dental implants?
You may be wondering – is this change necessary? While your mouth recovers from the surgery, you will likely experience some pain and swelling, making chewing an uncomfortable task. Soft foods not only lessen the pressure caused by eating, but also minimise the risk of damaging your implant or dislodging a blood clot.
The ultimate guide to eating after dental implants
Here are the foods you should and shouldn’t eat after your teeth implants are fitted. Please wait 1 - 2 hours before attempting to eat so the local anaesthetic can wear off – this minimises the risk of accidentally biting your cheek or tongue, or even scalding yourself. If you opted for sedation, follow the instructions set out by your dentist.
Suitable food and drinks
- Pasta
- Soups and broths
- Smoothies
- Yoghurts
- Scrambled eggs
- Pancakes
- Bananas
- Water
- Fish
- Sweet potato
Our top tip? Play around with texture. Enjoy your favourite vegetables by boiling or mashing them until they are a soft texture. Try shredding your meat too so it’s easier to digest. It’s also vital that you remain hydrated, as this helps to encourage healing and flush away infection-inducing bacteria.
Food and drinks to avoid
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Citrus fruits
- Hot curries
- Chewing gum
- Seeds
- Legumes
- Steak
- Alcohol
- Ice cream
Avoid spice (irritates the implant site), dairy (increases the risk of infection) and hard, chewy foods (contributes to discomfort and implant damage). Check your food or drink isn’t boiling hot or freezing cold either before consuming– extreme temperatures often leads to sharp pangs of pain.
Dental implant diet: Recipes to try out
Knowing what to cook throughout a normal week can be frustrating, never mind while recovering from dental implant surgery. Here are some quick, easy meal ideas to try out while your mouth heals.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snacks |
Pancakes with dairy-free cream and an assortment of fruits | Butternut squash soup with a slice of soft bread | Lasagne with dairy-free cheese and a side salad | Jelly |
Scrambled eggs on lightly toasted bread (no crusts) | Non-spicy noodles served with dumplings and a boiled egg | Tuna pasta (enjoy hot or cold) | Hummus and soft pitta |
Overnight oats featuring mashed banana | Jacket potato topped with tuna or baked beans | Soft tacos with shredded chicken and your choice of toppings | Muffin |
Healing after implants – our top five tips
Changes to your diet are not the only way you can support a successful recovery. The following tips have been put together by the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite – try incorporating them into your routine.
- Maintain a great oral hygiene routine: Brush twice a day (gently) for two minutes at a time. Floss daily too. These steps protect against implant infection.
- Do not smoke: Smoking is one of the biggest causes of implant failure and infection. It also discolours your implants at a rapid rate.
- Do not skip the dentist: Underlying issues can be spotted quicker by a dentist. They will be able to check your mouth is healing as it should.
- Manage pain as you see fit: If you have swelling, try placing an icepack on the jaw. Saltwater rinses help to soothe irritated gums, while general discomfort is often manageable with your typical over-the-counter pain medication.
- Take it easy: Especially in the first 72 following the surgery while pain and swelling typically peaks. Avoid strenuous exercise and make sure you are resting as much as possible.
Conclusion:
Dental implants can have a life-changing impact. If you are sick of the everyday pain and embarrassment caused by your teeth, enquire with Yorkshire Dental Suite today. We would be honoured to be a part of your smile transformation.