Dental implants are an excellent option for anyone seeking to restore their smile and boost their confidence. Even though Dental implant surgery is a routine procedure. There will be some aftercare requirements, particularly in regards to eating. When Can I Chew Solid Foods after Dental Implants? You will be able to eat normally approximately one week after dental implant surgery. The transition back to one’s regular diet should be gentle. In addition, it will be gradual during the first 12 hours following the procedure.

What are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are the gold-standard dental restoration option for single, few, or several missing adult natural teeth. They are the titanium posts that are surgically installed into the jawbone or beneath the gums. They serve as the artificial tooth roots and strong anchors for the replacement teeth.

This includes dental crowns, bridgework, or dentures. Many people prefer dental implants over other alternatives. Because of their durability, strength, and natural appearance, feel, functionality, and other benefits.

The process of getting dental implants is long and may involve several procedures. To prepare the mouth for implant placement and to ensure comfort after the surgery. If you are thinking of getting dental implants.

You might wonder about what food to eat and what to avoid after undergoing implant surgery. To ensure optimal results with dental implants, patients must take proper care of their oral health post-surgery. With good oral care, the implant sites heal properly and efficiently osseointegration. A process in which fusion of the implant with the jawbone, takes place.

One of the crucial parts of oral care after implant surgery is the avoidance of any activities or foods. That applies excessive pressure on newly placed implants. During recovery, any pressure applied on the newly placed implant can disturb the jawbone growth. It loosens the bond formed between the implant and jawbone, hence leading to implant failure.

For this reason, many patients ask their dentists or implant specialists. Regarding which kind of diet to have after surgery. How long it takes to eat and chew all kinds of foods without restrictions. This blog describes the entire recovery period of implant surgery including details about what food to eat and what to avoid.

Healing After Dental Implant Surgery

The healing process ahead of the dental implant surgery involves two parts. Healing of gum incisions over a couple of days and healing of jawbone over several months. On average, the implant fuses with the jawbone to secure its placement in 4-6 months. One can quickly recover from the surgery with minimal pain if one follows the dentist’s guidelines or recommendations.

The Day of Dental Implant Surgery

In the initial 24 hours of getting dental implants. Patients can expect some soreness, minor swelling, and bleeding at the site of the implant. At this time, patients must stick to liquid diets or very soft foods.

One must avoid any grainy foods like rice or sticky foods like honey. It is essential to drink plenty of water. But avoid drinking hot, sweet, and chilling liquids as well as using straws. Also, the patients must rinse their mouths thoroughly after their meals. To avoid any food getting stuck inside the mouth and leading to infection.  

The First Week of Having Dental Implants

In the first 5-7 days, patients must have a soft diet as their mouth will be tender following surgery. For some circumstances, the dentists may recommend patients continue having soft foods for up to 2 weeks. However, patients must avoid chewing soft foods directly over their implant site as they can become prone to complications.

In the days following the implant surgery. The patients can go for soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, creamy soups or broths, and smoothies. When patients feel that they are ready to chew again on the side of the mouth where there is no implant. They can slowly add softer foods to their meals. These include pasta, scrambled eggs, avocadoes, bananas, and steamed or boiled vegetables.

The patients mustn’t skip meals, since good nutrition is necessary to keep gums and bone tissues healthy. This way, the gums and bone tissues around the implant site properly heal.

The Next 3-6 Months 

Osseointegration is a process wherein the jawbone fuses with the dental implant. It takes place gradually, after the surgical placement of the dental implant. During the healing phase that spans 3-6 months in an average patient. Dental implants installed at the back of the mouth or in the upper dental arch typically take a lot of time to integrate with the jawbone. In cases where the patient has less optimal jawbone quality or is otherwise unhealthy. Osseointegration can take 9 months to a year.

Throughout this healing time, patients must disturb their dental implants as little as possible. To ensure there is optimal fusion of dental implants with respective jawbones. It is wise to avoid eating hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods.

Generally, it is recommended to avoid any food item that makes a sound while one chews it. Until the dental implant is completely secure in its place. When the surgical site is still healing, the patients must avoid certain foods and beverages entirely. These include carbonated drinks, acidic foods, spicy foods, foods served at cold temperatures, raw fruits, and vegetables. It also includes crunchy/sticky/abrasive foods like chips, seeds, gummies, and berries; sugary foods like candies.

It is certainly worthwhile over the long term to take care of what to eat. For a few months after placement of the dental implants. Unlike traditional dental crowns, dentures, or bridges, food restrictions are only meant to be temporary with dental implants. After completion of osseointegration and the full missing tooth restoration process. The new tooth or teeth will feel, look, and function just as natural teeth.

That is the right time for the patients to eat anything of their choice. This includes solid, crunchy, sticky, hot, or cold food items without facing any issues. But, they must remember to continue taking proper care of their dental implants just as they do for their real teeth. Every patient must practice daily brushing twice a day. Flossing once a day after a meal, and don’t miss out on their regular dental check-ups at the dentist’s office. So that they can enjoy good oral health.         

For further information about eating with dental implants or When Can I Chew Solid Foods after dental implant surgery? Schedule an initial consultation with the best implant specialists at EON Clinics in Chicago, Illinois.

We keep our patients well-informed about their implant surgery and what they can expect during their healing period. This includes what foods to eat or avoid.

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