If you have made the choice to replace your missing teeth with dental implants in Vero Beach, you look forward to the benefits that will come from a complete smile. You anticipate a new sense of confidence and the ability to eat whatever you like. There will no longer be a need to avoid certain foods that are currently too difficult to chew, like a steak. You can enjoy your favorite meals again, but you cannot eat them right away. During the recovery process, there will be some limitations before you can resume a normal diet.
Eating after Dental Implant Surgery
The surgery to place your implant posts is the hardest part of your journey to a complete smile. Once it is over, you will spend the next several weeks recovering as your jawbone fuses to them.
After your surgery, it is normal to experience some pain and swelling, which can make it difficult to eat. Not to mention, you will need to protect the surgical sites from bacteria and irritation. To ensure nothing complicates the healing process, it is best to avoid certain foods while you recover.
Soft Food Diet
Your implant dentist in Vero Beach will recommend you stick to a soft food diet for a few days. There are many tasty foods you can eat, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups. As your pain subsides and your gum tissue heals, you can reintroduce harder foods until reaching your normal diet.
If possible, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth were your posts where placed. Eat nothing that is overly hard, like taco shells or chips, which can lead to irritation or injury of the surgical site.
Foods to Avoid
Until your restorations are placed, there are several foods you want to avoid, including:
- Spicy foods.
- Very hot or cold foods.
- Acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus.
- Hard or crumbly foods, including popcorn and crackers.
- Sticky or chewy foods.
In addition to eating, choose your beverages wisely. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. When drinking, do not use a straw. The suction can prevent blood clots from forming or dislodge them too soon. If you have a smoothie or a shake, drink it with a spoon or straight from a cup.
Completing Your Smile
Before your placement surgery, take the time to plan meals ahead of time so you have one less thing to worry about while you recover. Soon enough, you will be eating your favorite foods again.
About Dr. Adam Jones
Dr. Adam Jones specializes in prosthodontics, including dental implants. He has earned both a master’s degree and certification in the field. He holds clinical excellence in esthetic and implant dentistry to rehabilitate his patient’s oral health. Supported by the American Board of Prosthodontists, he has the solutions you need to replace your missing teeth. If you need a dentist in Vero Beach for dental implants, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.