Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique placement in your jawbone. After the process of osseointegration is complete, they are essentially a permanent part of your mouth, which provides unique advantages over alternative restorations.
For example, they’re firmly rooted and unlikely to become destabilized or dislodged, so there are fewer dietary restrictions than with dentures or dental bridges. However, you’ll need to watch what you eat immediately following surgery to avoid failure. Continue reading to learn 3 things not to eat following your procedure!
Food #1: Raw Fruits & Veggies
It’s important to fill your body with nutrients to support healing, but you should steer clear of anything overly hard or crunchy, such as raw fruits and vegetables. Your gums and jaw will likely feel tender and inflamed for about a week, and chomping into tough carrots or apples might trigger additional aches. Not only that, but until your implant fuses with your jawbone, you might push it out of place.
Thankfully, there are softer alternatives you can enjoy instead, like bananas, applesauce, cooked vegetables, or blended fruit smoothies (but don’t use a straw!)
Food #2: Sticky or Chewy Sweets
Sugary and sticky candies and taffy might satisfy your sweet tooth, but they won’t do anything to contribute to your recovery after surgery. They attract harmful bacteria that can contribute to common oral issues, like gum disease. Unfortunately, this enhances the likelihood of developing peri-implantitis, the number one leading cause of failure.
Furthermore, these options tend to get caught in your teeth and gums, which can harm the support rod that’s been placed in your jawbone. If you’re craving something sweet, you can protect your grin by snacking on pudding, gelatin, or flavored yogurt instead.
Food #3: Alcoholic Beverages
Many people look forward to having a glass of wine or other adult beverage with dinner, but you will likely have to abstain for at least 72 hours following your surgery. Alcohol might help you feel relaxed, but unfortunately, it can also interfere with your recovery. It’s a vasoconstrictor that reduces your blood flow and oxygen levels, preventing your mouth from forming the blood clot that’s essential to healing.
Plus, it dehydrates your body and suppresses your immune system, increasing your vulnerability to infections that can lead to implant failure.
Your dentist will likely provide a comprehensive list of post-op directions, including certain dietary restrictions, following your procedure. Sticking to their instructions is the best way to mend quickly without developing complications!
Meet the Author
Dr. Craig Harder has over 20 years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree at Creighton University and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education to offer the most current treatment options. Whether you need a family dentist for preventive services or need to replace missing teeth, he can help! He works with local specialists for accurate implant placement, then provides lifelike restorations intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (509) 765-4351.