What Foods Should You Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implants give you the freedom to eat virtually anything you want – that is, once they have fully joined with the jawbone. But when it comes to the recovery period that follows your dental implant surgery, you’ll need to plan your diet very carefully. There are certain foods that you’ll need to stay away from until your mouth has healed. Below is an overview of what you shouldn’t eat following your dental implant surgery, as well as a quick look at some foods that are okay to enjoy.   

Foods You Shouldn’t Eat After Dental Implant Surgery

Some of the foods that need to be avoided after dental implant placement include:

• Hard Fruits and Vegetables: Trying to bite down on a raw carrot or an apple can put an unnecessary amount of strain on your dental implants, which can disrupt osseointegration (the process that allows the implant posts to fuse with the bone around them).
• Crunchy Snacks: Popcorn and nuts can get trapped in the implant site, leading to significant discomfort.
• Hot or Spicy Foods: It’s generally best to stay away from hot or spicy foods after any type of oral surgery since they can irritate the still-sensitive tissues in your mouth and even slow down the healing process.
• Sticky or Chewy Foods: Trying to chew taffy, caramel, or other sticky foods could inadvertently dislodge your dental implants if you’re not careful.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is known to interfere with the body’s healing capabilities, which is the last thing you want after dental implant placement.

Foods That Are Okay to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery

Even though the dental implant recovery process comes with many diet restrictions, there are still plenty of soft and liquid foods that you’ll be able to enjoy while waiting for your mouth to heal. Some good examples include:

• Applesauce, which is high in vitamins.
• Broth-based soups, which contain plenty of protein. (Make sure they aren’t too hot.)
• Mashed potatoes, which are a good source of fiber.
• Yogurt, which can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Another potentially good choice is instant oatmeal. However, the oats could irritate your gums if you’re not careful, so you may want to wait a few days after your initial surgery before incorporating this particular food into your diet.

Choosing the right foods could make all the difference for your dental implant recovery. Be sure to closely follow any tips your dentist gives you regarding foods that you should or shouldn’t eat.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, which is now known as Rutgers University Dental School. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and has completed the postgraduate Dental Implant Continuum at Columbia University. He’s able to offer start-to-finish dental implant procedures at his Wall Township practice, Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Aptaker, visit his website or call (732) 223-9199.