Sticking to the right diet recommendation can be a challenge for any patient who has just undergone dental implant surgery. For a good recovery, it is crucial to stay clear of any food that will physically interrupt the implant or cause pain. But as a dental implant surgery patient, a unique set of challenges stares at you. After you have had surgery in your mouth, your teeth may be bound with wire and your jaws clenched shut; all you eat must be in liquid form. Yes, you must start with soft and liquid food before moving on to solid food.

 

Things to Consider After Dental Implant Surgery

 

Generally speaking, it is very important not to skip meals. This is the first thing to take into consideration after oral surgery. Eat nutritious food and do not skip meals to have faster recovery and healing. Though, as with other surgery, it can take some time for a dental implant patient to fully recover from the operation and get back to normal life. Eating the right kind of food is very essential to gaining strength, feeling better, and recovering faster. A nutritious diet during the healing period is vital for your comfort and healing. Put the following into consideration as you plan your meal after a dental implant surgery:

 

1. Keeping Hydrated is Key:

 

Remaining hydrated is essential to your overall health and immune system, and nothing at all will keep you well hydrated than water. After surgery, drinking plenty of fluids is a way to help reduce swelling and bleeding.

 

2. Eat Enough Calories:

 

It is important to eat enough calories to maintain your body weight. Have it in mind that carbonated drinks provide calories but contain zero protein or quality nutrition. They also tend to limit recovery time. However, there are safer and better alternatives to get calories. You should consider adding butter, honey, and sugar to meals, using vegetable oils, avocado, and full-fat dairy products such as whole milk. Getting enough calories will allow your body to save the protein you eat for repair, instead of having to convert it to energy.

 

3. Getting Enough Protein:

 

After dental implants surgery, your need for protein is higher than before. This is because your bones and jaw tissue needs to heal, a process that is aided by protein. To increases protein intake, use protein-fortified milk, add ice cream, and yogurt to shakes.

 

4. Vitamin Supplements:

 

For a few days after surgery, the amount of food you can eat is limited by pains. It is a good idea for you to take supplements during this period. Fortified beverages or liquid multivitamins that contain minerals are great choices. Juice, water, milk, coffee, tea, etc. are also not bad choices.

 

5. Softer Fruits and Vegetables:

 

Fruits and veggies are naturally soft, and are high in vitamins and nutrients. To allow the gum tissue to heal better, a soft, non-chewing, or easy-to-chew diet is recommended for the first few days after surgery. Soft fruits and cooked or steamed vegetables are also good choices for patients after surgery. Patients generally have less discomfort when they maintain a good diet of soft foods. They also feel better and heal faster. If you are taking fruits, always remember to cut them into small pieces.

 

What Can You Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

 

The type of food you eat after surgery is vital. Dental implants surgery patients need the appropriate type of food for the recovery process. The right type of food will aid quick recovery. You should consider eating the following foods after your dental implant surgery.

 

Wheat and Oatmeal:

 

For a great meal after surgery, wheat and oatmeal are recommended. They are very healthy and tasty and do not require much chewing. They have low sugar and a texture that can easily wash away. This can help in reducing the risk of oral infection.

 

Soup:

 

Soup is the go-to answer for many dental surgery patients while recovering. It is easy to take in, as it does not require chewing. Before taking soup, you should allow it to cool first. This will help prevent irritation of the affected area.

 

Soft Fruits:

 

There are various recovery-friendly foods to eat after oral surgery. The key is to limit chewing by making the food as soft as possible. Eating bananas and milkshakes are a good way to get the nutrient you need each day. Mashed avocadoes, mangoes, and peaches are great choices too.

 

Eggs:

 

Eating the right amount of protein results in optimal health. Eggs are a great source of protein; they are soft to eat and can be cooked easily. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and calcium. You can take in scrambled eggs if you want something easy to chew and swallow.

 

Mashed Potatoes:

 

Potatoes contain high sources of fiber with needed nutrients and calories after oral surgery. With just a few bites, your body gets the energy it needs.

 

Things to Avoid After Oral Surgery

 

Drinking Alcoholic Beverages:

 

Alcohol may interfere with the healing process by irritating the tissue surrounding your dental implants.

 

Acidic, Spicy, and Crunchy Foods:

 

Avoid foods such as tomato, tomato sauce, and orange juice because of their acidity which can cause burning. Also avoid hot pepper, popcorn, nuts, and sunflower seeds as they can cause pain and inflammation.

 

Smoking:

 

Smoking will inhibit the healing process and as such, must be avoided.

 

Extremely Hot Food:

 

In the first few days after dental implants surgery, patients should stay away from extremely hot food. This will help minimize swelling and bleeding. You should also avoid forceful spitting.

 

Brushing Teeth:

 

After dental implant surgery, you should avoid normal tooth brushing. You can start rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater and avoid vigorous rinsing. Cleaning your mouth is important as it helps reduce the risk of infection from the accumulation of food debris.

 

Use of Straw:

 

The force from using a straw may affect the healing process. Using a straw with sucking movement can cause more bleeding.

 

Physical Activity:

 

Bed rest is recommended after oral surgery. Limiting all physical activities will significantly reduce the degree of pain and swelling.

 

Conclusion

 

Your physical well-being and comfort should be a priority for you after dental implant surgery. You may not like the food recommendations mentioned above, but for your recovery and well-being, it is important that you adhere to these recommendations. Patients who are just recovering from a dental implant surgery should avoid foods that involve chewing until their tongue sensation is restored. Anything that would disrupt the healing process should be avoided completely.