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What Can You Eat Following the Dental Implant Procedure?

Dental Arts of Bedford • Oct 13, 2021

When you have your dental implants fitted by a dentist in Bedford, NH, what can you eat after the procedure? Here are some suggestions.

dentist in bedford nh

Are you missing a tooth? Dental implant surgery has a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, your implants could last a lifetime.


It's important to talk to your dentist in Bedford, NH about how to proceed before and after the procedure. Their aftercare tips can ensure the success of your dental implant procedure. For example, you might want to ask them what to eat after having dental implants placed.


Here are a few tips that can help you prepare a dietary plan before your procedure.


With this guide, you can stock up your fridge before your dental implant appointment. That way, you won't have to worry after the procedure. Instead, you can minimize your stress, maintain a healthy diet, and focus on healing.



Discover what to eat after having dental implants placed with this helpful guide today!

What to Eat the Day After Implant Surgery

The total number of dental implants could increase by 23% between 2020 and 2026. Despite how often people request dental implants, not many people know about the procedure. Dental implants can give you the strength to enjoy your favorite foods.


Immediately following your dental implant procedure, however, it's important to give your jaw time to heal. 


You can eat immediately after your dental implants are placed. However, your gums will likely feel tender and swollen the next few days. Try to stick to soft foods and liquids after the procedure.


During the first 24 to 48 hours, choose soft foods and liquids to protect your gums.


Focus on cool liquids only. Avoid hot foods or drinks for several hours after the procedure. Avoid drinking from a straw for at least two weeks afterward, too. 


You'll need to stick to a soft food diet for the first three months after the procedure.


During the first week, stick to "no-chew" foods, such as:


  • Cottage cheese
  • Applesauce 
  • Mashed avocados
  • Jell-O
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Pudding
  • Seedless smoothies
  • Cream or broth soups
  • Tofu
  • Instant oatmeal
  • Liquid protein supplements


Here's what to eat after having dental implants to avoid putting pressure on your gums and teeth.


Muffins


The first day or two after your dental implant procedure, you might find it's difficult to chew. Try to choose foods that are soft. For example, you might consider eating muffins during the week following your procedure.


Muffins are delicious and require little chewing. They can also help you feel fuller longer.


Eggs


It's important to make sure you're getting plenty of protein from your diet. When focusing on soft foods, however, it can feel like a challenge. Try adding eggs to your routine after your dental implant procedure.


Regardless of the cooking method you choose, eggs will remain soft. You can enjoy scrambled eggs or an omelet for any meal. 


You can also add vegetables, cheese, and milk to your eggs for variety. 


Potatoes


Potatoes are soft, easy to eat, and recovery-friendly. You can boil or mash your potatoes to limit chewing. Consider adding a little cheese or gravy on top as well. 


Soup


You can try a variety of different soup recipes following your dental implant procedure. Make sure the soup is cool first, though. If it's too hot, it could irritate the implant site.


Oatmeal


Oatmeal is a great source of protein following your dental implant procedure. It doesn't require much chewing. It's also healthy and delicious.


Oatmeal is also low in sugar. The chance of developing an infection after eating oatmeal is low as well. 


Soft Dairy


Soft dairy foods like cottage cheese or brie are a great source of calcium. Calcium can help your teeth rebuild lost minerals.


Consider yogurt and milkshakes to minimize chewing, too. 


Soft Fruits


Choose soft fruits like berries, peaches, and pears to add to your routine. You can also enjoy applesauce or canned fruits as an easy go-to.



If you need to soften your fruits further, consider blending them for a soft smoothie.

What to Eat in the Weeks After Implant Surgery

Two weeks after your surgery, you can consume "fork-tender" foods. Choose foods that are soft enough to cut with a fork.


For example, you can enjoy soft fruits like mangoes, peaches, pears, and bananas. You can continue enjoying applesauce as well. After two weeks, you can add steamed vegetables to your diet, too. 


Don't forget to add protein sources to your diet as well. These can include:


  • Roasted or chicken stew
  • Broiled fish
  • Tofu
  • Meatloaf
  • Soups with small pieces of meat and vegetables


Make sure to talk to your dentist in Bedford, NH. They can help you determine when you should eat certain foods.


For example, after two weeks, you can add bread, pasta, and rice to your diet. 


Eating and drinking regularly will help you heal. It can also provide you with the nourishment and energy you need. If you need to add more protein to your diet, consider using protein supplements as well. 



After your jaw fully heals, you can start enjoying foods like steak, apples, or corn on the cob again.

Foods to Avoid

Don't forget to talk to your dentist about the foods you'll need to avoid while you heal, too. Otherwise, you could unintentionally aggravate the implant site. You could delay the healing process as a result.


When discussing what to eat after having dental implants, make a note to avoid:


  • Raw apples and vegetables
  • Chips and pretzels
  • Corn on the cob
  • Granola
  • Pizza
  • Sub sandwiches
  • Steaming, hot foods
  • Crusty bread
  • Gum
  • Hard candy


Remember to avoid hot foods or beverages. Avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages as well.



Otherwise, avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, sticky, chewy, tough, or crunchy. 

Ask Your Dentist in Bedford, NH: Foods to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery

Make sure to talk to your dentist in Bedford, NH before your dental implant procedure. They can help you determine what to eat after having dental implants placed. Following their aftercare plan will ensure the best possible results.


Once you're fully healed, you can start enjoying your favorite foods again. 


Eager to schedule your consultation appointment? We can't wait to see you.



Contact us today to get started.

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