What Should My Diet Look Like After Getting Dental Implants in Landrum?

You’re getting dental implants in Landrum to improve your quality of life and enjoy the little things like certain foods and having a conversation without your dentures slipping. After your placement procedure, you will need to change your diet so your gums can heal properly. Here are the kinds of foods you should eat and how they’ll keep your dental implants healthy until you heal.

Foods to Eat After Your Procedure

After your implants are placed, it’s a good idea to wait until your anesthesia wears off to eat again. After that, eat only soft foods and liquids and attempt to stay away from hard foods that can cause swelling or pain. Foods like oatmeal, applesauce, and soups allow you to get the nutrition you need while not delaying your healing process.

After a couple of weeks of a soft diet, or when you feel better, you should be able to expand your food selection and slowly introduce yourself back to your normal diet. You’ll even be able to enjoy foods you couldn’t before the implants like:

• Steak
• Fibrous vegetables like celery
• Foods like popcorn and sesame seeds
• Nuts
• Apples
• Chips

Be Gentle on Your New Implants

Here are some actions you’ll want to avoid after your implant procedure:

• Drinking from a straw
• Smoking
• Brushing normally

Actions like smoking interfere with the healing process for your gums and put you at a higher risk to develop an infection. Instead of brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a salt water solution. Be sure not to use anything too harsh like mouth rinse or hydrogen peroxide for the first two weeks of your recovery.

Risks of Eating Hard Foods

Eating foods that are rough on your gums after implant surgery can be uncomfortable and cause swelling and bleeding. Similar to when you got your wisdom teeth removed, drinking through straws can cause dry sockets, so make sure to avoid that as well. Eventually, you’ll be able to eat even better than you did before the surgery, it’s just important to follow your dentist’s advice for the first few weeks with your new implants.

Ask your dentist in Landrum about any questions you may have about maintaining or keeping your dental implants healthy so you can recover faster and enjoy your new smile sooner!

About the Author

Dr. Moneyhun strives to provide the most comfortable and highest quality of care to his patients who are seeking dental implants. He works with the best oral surgeons and periodontists in the area to give you your best new smile. He values every individual that walks into his practice and wants to make them feel at home and confident after their visit. You’ll leave your visit with a newfound self-confidence. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us at 864-977-3850.