Once you receive dental implants from Dr. Ebrahimian (“Dr. E”), our eating and diet tips will help you heal and protect your new teeth. The strong Zirconia material will not develop cavities. But eating the right foods is important for nutrition and to avoid irritation. You’ll also need to be careful during the healing process; although there are no food restrictions thereafter, here are some helpful eating and diet tips after getting dental implants.
During the First 24 to 48 Hours
Pain, soreness, and nausea are common for the first few days after implant surgery. However, you mustn’t skip meals. Proper nutrition (foods rich in vitamins and minerals) will keep you healthy and strong during the healing process. Titanium implants need time to fuse with bone, so your food options will be limited during the first couple of weeks after dental implant surgery.
Therefore, it’s best to stick with all-liquid meals such as:
- Vitamin-rich broths and smooth, blended soups.
- Liquids such as protein drinks, meal replacement drinks, and fruit smoothies.
- Nutritional drinks rich in calcium and vitamin C (non-acidic).
A liquid diet can be extremely nourishing and keep you hydrated. However, you might not be limited to fluids only. If you choose to eat solid food, remember to choose that which is soft enough to not irritate the surgical site.
Your options can include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens
- Salmon, cod, and other soft fish
- Fruits like bananas and avocados
- Nutrient-rich blends like hummus
Eggs contain phosphorous, a mineral that helps maintain healthy teeth. They also have vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium, an important mineral that’s found in fruit smoothies, sweet potatoes, and other nutritious foods. Meanwhile, salmon, cod, halibut, and similar fish are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.
Foods to Avoid
During recovery (especially the first few days), avoid hard fruits and vegetables such as raw carrots and apples. Nuts, seeds, popcorn, and other crunchy snacks can cause discomfort and inflammation or even lodge in the surgical site. Make a rule not to have any food that makes a noise when chewed, including pizza crust or hard cereals.
Also, avoid sticky or chewy foods like caramel or taffy, which can adhere to temporary restorations and dislodge them. Avoid alcohol as well, which can slow down the healing process and interact with pain medications, while hot and spicy foods can irritate the surgical site and increase your risk of infection.
During the Healing Process
Even if you get impatient, stick to a soft diet for the first few weeks after surgery. Softened pasta, fish, shredded chicken, soft cereals, cooked oats, and boiled or steamed vegetables are good choices as your implants heal, which can take up to six months.
Eventually, you’ll be able to eat the harder foods you like. After a few weeks, you can start introducing more foods, but be attentive. If eating something causes pain, assume you’re not ready for it and hold off on trying it again. Nonetheless, include a lot of protein in your diet, including soft meat from the above sources and soft, seedless fruits like bananas, peaches, pears, and mangoes. It can help you heal faster.
In addition, oatmeal, grits, waffles, pancakes, soft bread, muffins, and ice cream can contain the protein you need. Also, don’t forget about good oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash as recommended. Your dentist may also suggest using water flossers or interdental brushes.
Know What Works for You
These eating and diet tips after getting implants provide a general guideline. However, everyone is different. You may not have the same reaction to the procedure as someone else. Follow any nutritional recommendations that apply to your health needs and avoid food items that cause discomfort while healing. It’s also important to drink plenty of water; it will help you feel better after surgery and help keep your body healthy.
Dr. E: The Leading Implant Specialist in Sherman Oaks and Santa Clarita
Eating properly after getting dental implants helps improve the success of surgery. So does the expertise of Dr. Ebrahimian. As Southern California’s premier implant doctor, he received his DDS from the University of Southern California in 1997 and is the founder and owner of Implants 4 Life in Sherman Oak, CA. He’s also trained in various aspects of dentistry, including gum surgery, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and implants, not to mention sedation dentistry to ensure every patient is comfortable.
To learn more or request an appointment with Dr. E, schedule your free consultation by calling (818) 629-0634 today.
