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What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

Many people get dental implants so they can eat without pain. However, right after surgery, you’ll need to be careful about what you eat.  Our experts explain what foods are safe and which ones you should avoid, as well as the vitamins and minerals that will help you heal after surgery. 

What Can I Eat After Dental Implants?

Right after your dental implants are placed, your jaw and teeth will be in a fragile state. About an hour after your surgery, you can have something to eat. During the first 24 – 72 hours following surgery, patients should stick with a cool liquid diet, which entails:

  • Avoiding hot food and beverages. No hot coffees or piping hot soups.
  • Not drinking through straws. Using a straw or something that requires suction can place undue stress on your implant site.
  • Steering clear of smoking and alcoholic beverages. These can impede your healing process or make your condition more painful.

Foods to Eat During the Cool Liquid Diet

  • Cold Soups – While we mentioned hot soups aren’t allowed, cold soups are a great option packed with nutrients that’ll help you heal. 
  • Smoothies – Nutritious, filling, and easy to make: Smoothies are a fantastic option while recovering from surgery.
  • Applesauce – Biting into and chewing an apple isn’t an option for postoperative jaws, but all the same nutrients are available in an implant-safe form.
  • Anything That Doesn’t Require Chewing – Slightly broader than the previous options, any food that requires no chewing or effort from the jaw is an option. This opens the door to anything from juices to Jell-O to milkshakes.

What Food Can I Have After That?

After 72 hours of getting your new implants, you might want to eat regular food. But it’s too early because you’re still healing, and the implants aren’t settled yet. Some safe foods to eat while you’re healing include: 

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Soups and stews
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Eggs and soft proteins
  • Soft foods that don’t require chewing
The most important thing is that the foods are soft and easy to eat. If your implants are still settling and delicate, biting something tough could cause pain and potentially send you back to the dentist. 

What Food Should I Avoid?

For a time after surgery, there will be some foods you stay away from. These foods can tear, dislocate, or remove implants that aren’t fully healed. These foods include, but aren’t limited to: 

  • Hard items like crunchy chips and nuts
  • Tough-to-chew items like steak and candy
  • Highly acidic items like citrus 
  • Spicy foods like peppers or hot sauce
  • Very hot foods like soups or coffee
 

What Nutrients Will Help Me Heal?

One of the most important things you can do after surgery is eat. Providing nourishment and energy is crucial when promoting healing, especially post-surgery. There are certain nutrients and minerals that provide benefits to healing, some of which include:   

  1. Calcium – Dental implants are placed into the mandible, and calcium is one of the best ways to maintain and build strong bones.
  2. Vitamin D – Vitamin D is also vital for building bones because it helps the body absorb and retain calcium. Beyond this, Vitamin D has been shown to help control infections and reduce inflammation, which is crucial after surgery.
  3. Vitamin C – From maintaining and building bones to supporting your immune system, Vitamin C should be a staple in your everyday life. Your intake should increase after surgery as it’s only beneficial with no real downsides.
  4. Phosphorus – A name some people may be less familiar with, phosphorus turns carbohydrates and fats into energy your body can use. It’s also an essential nutrient for all cells needing repair, new growth, or maintenance.
  5. Omega-3 – Postoperative inflammation is expected, but Omega-3 is a power player in reducing inflammation and keeping your blood healthy and moving. 
 

Dental Implants in Point Pleasant, NJ

While this isn’t a comprehensive list of foods, remember that every patient, procedure, and mouth is different. What may be acceptable to eat for someone may be painful for another. As you go about the healing process, take note of the foods that cause pain or discomfort. If you’re unsure what foods you can eat after dental implant surgery, call 732-714-1030 or contact us today.

Our oral care experts are equipped to answer any questions about postoperative dental care! 

About the Author

Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information, call (732) 714-1030 or schedule an appointment!