One of the key steps involved in dental implant treatment is placement surgery. This is when your implant dentist will make an incision in your gumline so they can access your jawbone and set the implant posts in place. Once they suture the incision and send you on your way, your mouth will need some time to recover from the surgery.
It’s very important to watch what you eat for the next three to six months, otherwise, you could experience complications. Here’s an overview of what you should and shouldn’t eat, and why maintaining a soft food diet is crucial to treatment success!
Why Food-Choice Matters During Dental Implant Post-Op
Yes, your oral tissue will be repairing itself while you recover from dental implant surgery, but the main reason food choice matters so much during this time is osseointegration. This is a natural process where bone material fuses with biocompatible structures, like dental implant posts. Eating the wrong foods can disrupt osseointegration, and if your jawbone and implants don’t fuse properly, your restoration will fail.
Foods to Avoid
Hard, crunchy, sticky, and all-around tough-to-chew foods risk overworking your jawbone. The resulting pressure and tension can slow or prevent osseointegration, so it’s best to avoid these textures. Here are some examples of foods to avoid:
- Nuts
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Taffy
- Carmel
- Raw vegetables
- Stringy meats
- Bagels
Foods to Enjoy
That list might seem to eliminate a lot of meal options, but there are plenty of delicious and well-balanced foods you can enjoy on a soft-food diet. For instance:
- Fruit or vegetable smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Brothy soups with small, soft pieces of meat and cooked vegetables
- Scrambled eggs (feel free to load up on the spices!)
- Mashed potatoes (cheese, gravy, salt, and butter can add a lot of flavor)
- Well-boiled noodles (and almost any sauce you want)
- Flakey fish (salmon, tuna, etc.)
- Pancakes with syrup
Once your implants and jawbone are fully integrated and you receive your crown, bridge, or denture, you’ll be able to resume your normal diet. In fact, dental implant restorations are stronger than their traditional counterparts, and many patients are able to enjoy more foods after making a full recovery. These temporary restrictions will be well-worth it when your treatment is a success!
About the Practice
Dr. Gary M. Klein and Dr. Rachael Miller stay up-to-date with the latest treatments in dentistry, including dental implant restorations. Thanks to continuing education efforts and advanced training, they’re able to complete the entire dental implant process in-house. To learn more about life with dental implants or schedule your consultation today, contact their office at 717-652-6644.