Having dental implant surgery is a big decision, and you want to make sure that your recovery goes well and you do not suffer any complications. Your diet after surgery plays a role in your recovery, so we have put together this guide to what you should and should not eat following dental implant surgery.
Las Vegas implant dentist Dr. Jorge Paez will give you detailed recovery instructions personalized to your unique case as well. If you are interested in having dental implants placed, please do not hesitate to call Dr. Paez today at 702-737-3553 to schedule your initial consultation.
Food and Drink to Avoid After Implant Surgery
After dental implant surgery, you should stick to soft foods that are easy to eat and won’t get stuck between your teeth. It’s important to maintain your nutrition during this period, so please do not skip meals; just be careful about what kind of foods you eat.
For the first few days, you should avoid:
- Foods that are hard to chew
- Sticky foods
- Food or drink that is too hot
- Alcohol
- Nuts, rice, and other foods that easily get stuck in teeth
- Drinking through a straw
Soft foods like bananas, baked potatoes, and yogurt are good choices to eat after implant surgery. Soups are also good, but make sure that they are not too hot. Extremely hot foods and drinks can burn your mouth and potentially cause inflammation at the surgical site.
Avoid foods like apples, steaks, and broccoli. Alcohol should also be avoided for a week or so following surgery. Alcohol inhibits the blood clotting process, which may lead to complications with your recovery. In addition, it is generally not advised to drink alcohol if you are taking prescription medications given to you by your dentist.
You should also make sure not to drink from a straw following your surgery. Drinking from a straw can put strain on your implant site, causing pain and inflammation and delaying your healing.
Recovery After Dental Implant Surgery
Eating an appropriate diet is only one step in ensuring a successful and quick recovery. You should also be sure to follow all of Dr. Paez’s recovery instructions, take any prescribed antibiotics regularly, and take any prescribed painkillers as needed.
Most patients are able to return to work within a day or two, but you should limit your physical activity and give your body time to recuperate and heal. Swelling can be managed with the application of a cold compress following the 20-20-20 rule: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, then 20 more minutes on. Try to keep your head elevated to further help with swelling.
When you follow Dr. Paez’s instructions, eat properly, and give yourself enough time to rest, recovery from dental implant surgery is very quick and tolerable.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental implant may be a good option for you. Implants are the only type of missing tooth treatment that actually replaces the tooth root, which in turn helps keep the jaw bone healthy and stable.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, call Dr. Paez today at 702-737-3553 to schedule your consultation. We serve patients in and around Las Vegas, including Summerlin and Spring Valley.