Dental implants are widely considered to be the preferred option for replacing missing teeth. There are many reasons for this, but one of them is that, once they are fully healed, your dental implants will be nearly as strong and secure as your natural teeth. This makes it possible to enjoy almost all of your favorite foods as normal.
During the recovery period, however, it is necessary to adhere to certain dietary guidelines, particularly as your implants heal and fuse with the surrounding jawbone. Consider some basic guidelines for what to eat, and what to avoid, during dental implant recovery.
Eating Guidelines for Dental Implant Recovery
First and foremost: For the entirety of your dental implant recovery, it is important to avoid drinking from a straw, as the suction may damage the site of implant surgery. This can disrupt your healing process and prolong your recovery.
Additionally, it is necessary to avoid any foods that could irritate or get lodged within the implant site. These include:
- Foods that are high in sugar content or that have added sugars.
- Foods served at very high or very low temperatures.
- Spicy or highly acidic foods.
- Foods that shatter or crumble when eaten, such as nuts, seeded fruits, or potato chips.
What to Eat During the First 48 Hours
For the first couple of days of your dental implant recovery, the best approach is to stick to foods that are highly nutritious and require no chewing whatsoever. Some approved foods include:
- Milkshakes
- Smoothies
- Nutritional shakes & meal replacement shakes
- Plain yogurt
- Cottage Cheese
- Warm broth
- Plain Hummus
What to Eat After the First 48 Hours
By the third day of your dental implant recovery, you should feel ready to try foods that are soft enough to break apart with the tongue. Some examples include:
- Scrambled Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Beans and tofu
- Pureed vegetables
- Pureed soups
- Soft pasta
- Soft, seedless fruit, including bananas or pears
- Steamed vegetables
Within a week, most patients feel ready to try soft foods that require some minimal chewing. Some approved foods might include:
- Tuna and flaky fish
- Soft, seedless vegetables and fruit
- Any pasta or soup
- Easily chewable meats
- Anything you were able to eat in previous stages of your recovery
Once your dental implants have fully integrated with your jawbone and your final restorations are placed, your oral surgeon will give you the green light to resume your normal diet. Note that this usually comes a few months after your initial dental implant placement.
Learn More About Dental Implant Placement and Recovery
Following your dental implant recovery, you will be able to enjoy a healthy smile with full form and function. We invite you to learn more about dental implants, and to find out why they are the best option for smile restoration.
