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If you’ve taken the first step towards rebuilding your smile by investing in leading-edge dental implant treatment, congratulations– your life is about to change! However, before you can start enjoying all of the benefits that your new teeth have to offer, you’ll have to make it through your dental implant surgery. While the success rate is an impressive 98 percent, you’ll want to make sure to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions to make a complication-free recovery, including avoiding certain foods. Read on to learn what snacks to stock your refrigerator with before your oral surgery.
What Will Recovery Look Like?
While recovery looks different for everybody based on a variety of factors, like lifestyle habits, dental and overall health, and complications, patients who have undergone dental implant placement often make a fast recovery. In fact, many are able to return to their daily routine one to two days following their oral surgery, as their side-effects are minimal.
Simply follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions closely for a fast and problem-free recovery. If you do experience any out-of-the-ordinary side-effects, contact your dentist immediately. Swelling, minor discomfort, and bruising are some of the most common effects patients notice.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
One of the most important care tips is to be mindful of the foods you’re eating, as foods that are excessively chewy, spicy, or crunchy can irritate your surgical sites. Make sure that you eat soft proteins, like fish, and thoroughly cook any vegetables so they’re tender and easy to chew. You’ll also want to avoid drinking alcohol, as this can increase swelling and pain as well as slow your healing process, increasing your risk of developing an infection after your procedure.
Foods You Can Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
For the following days after your surgery, or as long as your dentist recommends, you will be on a soft diet. Stick to nutritious foods that can help you heal and that aren’t difficult to chew. Here are some of the most popular foods that patients stock their refrigerator with before their procedure:
- Applesauce is high in vitamin C.
- Bone broth is a great source of protein, but make sure it’s not too hot.
- Mashed potatoes are high in fiber and can be dressed up with gravy, cheese, and more.
- Yogurt and smoothies are great if you have a sweet tooth.
After a few days have passed, you can graduate to other soft foods with a bit of texture, like instant oatmeal. Be sure to check in with your dentist before making this transition, though!
Although you’ll need to temporarily alter your diet after your procedure, it will be well worth it. Your dental implant surgery is a crucial part of your treatment and sets the stage for successful, lasting results!
About the Author
Dr. Prashantkumar Gajera has over a decade of experience in the dental field and has undergone additional training for dental implants. As a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association, he’s dedicated to staying up to date with the latest advancements in his field so his patients are able to enjoy lasting, high-quality dental results. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Collins St. Dental of Arlington’s website or call 817-886-3555.