Your Guide to Eating With Dental Implants in Columbus, OH
Getting dental implants is a big decision. It’s the best way to replace missing teeth and get your smile back. But did you know that what you eat can affect your new implants? Your diet plays a big role in how well your implants heal and stay healthy.
Dr. Sam Latif at Keep Smiling Columbus in Columbus, OH, wants you to understand the connection between dental implants and your diet. Explore our Columbus implant dentist’s guide to your diet after dental implant surgery and schedule your consultation by calling (614) 459-7300.
Why Diet Matters With Dental Implants
After the dental implant procedure, your mouth needs time to heal. Understanding what to eat after dental implant surgery is crucial for successful healing. The implants must fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration during the dental implant surgery. This is when the implant becomes part of your jaw, making it strong and stable. What you eat after dental implant surgery can help or hinder this recovery process.
Eating the right foods provides the nutrients your body needs to heal properly and supports the recovery process after dental implant surgery. On the other hand, eating the wrong foods after oral surgery can slow down the healing process or even lead to complications.
Soft Food Diet: Foods to Eat With Dental Implants
Your diet for dental implant aftercare should include nutritious foods to aid the healing process after dental implant surgery. Following a soft food diet is crucial after dental implant surgery to promote healing and prevent damage to the dental implants. Common guidelines for diet after dental implant placement include:
- Soft foods that are nutrient-rich like yogurt, smoothies, and soups
- Protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and beans, focusing on soft foods that are easy on your implants and aid in recovery
- Fruits and veggies rich in vitamins A, C, and D, including soft fruits that are gentle on the surgical site and beneficial for healing
- Soft food with calcium, like milk and leafy greens
Foods to Avoid During the Recovery Period After Dental Implant Placement
Through the healing process after your dental implant procedure, it’s best to avoid certain foods that could damage your dental implants or cause pain and swelling Some foods to avoid after implant placement include:
- Hard, crunchy foods like nuts, chips, and raw vegetables
- Sticky, chewy foods like caramels and gummies
- Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes
- Hot or spicy foods that could irritate your gums
Tips for Eating with Dental Implants
Here are some helpful tips for eating with dental implants:
- Cut food into small pieces
- Chew slowly and carefully
- Avoid biting down on hard foods with your front teeth
- Drink plenty of water to help with chewing and swallowing
Long-Term Dental Implant Care
Even after your implants have fully healed, it’s still important to maintain a healthy diet as you care for the implants. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients can help keep your implants, gums, and jawbone strong and healthy.
Be sure to brush and floss regularly, too. Good oral hygiene is key to preventing problems like infections or implant failure.
Trust Dr. Latif With Your Post-Implant Procedure Care
Getting dental implants is exciting, but it’s important to follow your dentist’s dietary recommendations during the healing process. By eating the right foods and avoiding problematic ones, you’ll give your implants the best chance at success.
If you have any other questions about your dental implant diet, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Sam Latif and the team at Keep Smiling Columbus. We’re here to help you through every step of the implant process. Call (614) 459-7300 to schedule your consultation at our Columbus, OH, implant dentistry office. We’re happy to help new and returning patients from the Columbus area, including Upper Arlington, Gahanna, and Westerville, OH.