A tooth implant is considered a long-term replacement for missing tooth. Tooth implant is made of titanium and is screwed into the jawbone. The implant and the jawbone will fuse together. The fusion process is called osseointegration. Once fused successfully, the implant will support a crown or artificial tooth.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), a staggering 3 million people have tooth implant. Undoubtedly, dental implants are growing in popularity and have not shown any signs of slowing down. AAID also stated that at least 500,000 people get tooth implants annually.
While many factors can affect the success and longevity of tooth implants, looking after your dental implants accordingly is one of the most important. Once fully healed and integrated with the jawbone, dental implants can bring back the chewing strength that’s often associated with the natural teeth.
To look after your dental implants accordingly, one of the things you should focus on is what to eat and avoid after the dental implant procedure mount pleasant sc.
Foods to Avoid the First Week
To ensure you don’t damage your dental implant and set your treatment back, it would be best to avoid consuming the following foods at least the first week after the procedure:
- Tough foods – raw vegetables and steak
- Crunchy foods – chips and popcorn
- Sticky foods – caramel and taffy
- Chewy foods – bagels and gummies
- Spicy foods – salsa and hot peppers
- Acidic foods – tomatoes and oranges
- Hot foods and liquids – soup and coffee
What to Eat the Day After the Dental Implant Procedure
After the dental implant has been placed, the jaw and teeth will be in a delicate state. That said, it is crucial to stick to a soft-diet the first 24 hours after the procedure. If you don’t know what to prepare, the following foods can be a good place to start:
- Smoothies – smoothies are nutritious, filling, and are packed with essential vitamins that can help restore your energy. What makes smoothies even more ideal is they won’t require chewing, which makes them a great option.
- Cold soups – While it’s important to avoid hot liquids and foods, you can still enjoy cold soups such as gazpacho.
- Applesauce – Since you won’t be able to bite into an apple after your procedure, applesauce can be a great alternative. They can provide the much-needed nutrients without causing harm to your implant.
Also, when drinking liquids, it is recommended that you avoid using a straw as the suction force can put pressure on the implant and interfere with the healing process. It is recommended that you also refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol at least for a few days.
What to Eat Weeks After the Dental Implant Procedure
As the jaw continues to heal, it would be a good idea to slowly reintroduce solid foods into the diet. Foods that are rich in protein as well as other important nutrients are deemed ideal as it can help speed up the recovery process. Some of the foods to consider include:
- Eggs – Eggs are not only filled with protein, they are also easy to chew. Mix them with vegetables and you have a well-balanced meal.
- Potatoes – If you want some variety in your meal, potatoes would be a good start. Potatoes are versatile and can be prepared in various ways.
- Ground beef, Fish, and Chicken – If you would like to eat meat, start with softer options such as fish, chicken, and ground beef. You can mix them with pastas and salads for a more delicious meal.
- Yogurt, Milk, Cheese – Dairy products are loaded with protein and calcium. They are great food options as well as they can help aid in the healing process and keep the teeth strong.
