Dental implants are unique because they’re the only replacement teeth that are surgically embedded in your jawbone, offering advantages over alternatives like dentures or bridges.
Then, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to recover after they’re placed because that’s about how long it takes the jaw to produce enough new bone growth to fuse with them. Following your provider’s post-op instructions, including their recommended dietary restrictions, can help you heal effectively while preventing potential complications. Continue reading to learn about 3 foods to avoid to protect your dental implants!
Option #1: Hot, Spicy Foods
It’s normal to feel sore and swollen for a few days following your procedure, and your gums are likely going to be extra sensitive. If you’re looking forward to heading home and having a hot meal after your appointment, you may want to adjust your expectations.
Immediately after your surgery, your mouth will still likely be numb from the anesthetic and/or sedation provided. As a result, the nerves in your lips, gums, and tongue can’t tell if something is too hot, and you might accidentally burn yourself. Spicier foods can also trigger additional irritation, so it’s usually best to stick to softer, mildly flavored options until your mouth starts mending.
Option #2: Seeds or Popcorn
Most dentists recommend sticking to soft foods that are easy to eat during the initial stages of implant recovery. Biting or chewing hard snacks, such as seeds or popcorn, can damage the support rod of your new tooth, destabilize it, or cause it to fail altogether.
Thankfully, this can be prevented by enjoying softer selections like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, ice cream, or applesauce. Once your gums have healed sufficiently and you feel comfortable doing so, it’s usually safe to reintroduce more solid foods into your diet.
Option #3: Sticky, Chewy Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth and are craving sugar after your implant procedure, you might feel tempted to indulge in chewy candies, like taffy or caramel. However, these sweets can potentially harm your restoration in a couple of different ways.
For starters, they might push or yank the support rod out of its proper alignment. Not only that, but they also attract unwanted bacteria that can penetrate the surgical site and cause infection, like peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure. If you need a tasty treat during recovery, you might blend sweet fruits, like bananas or strawberries, with ice cream or yogurt to make a smoothie that can satisfy your craving without damaging your new tooth.
If you still feel unsure about which foods to enjoy or avoid after your dental implant procedure, your dental office may have additional recommendations!
Meet the Author
Dr. Haren Patel has 20+ years of experience helping families improve their lives by enhancing their smiles. He initially studied dentistry at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, India, and then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Today, he partners with local experts to increase the likelihood of successful dental implant placement, then uses advanced technology to provide a lifelike restoration intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (770) 592-7000.