When patients are exploring missing tooth replacements like dental implants, one of the first questions they’ll ask our dentist in Croydon is how the procedure impacts eating. Here’s what you need to know about eating with dental implants in the short-term and long-term.
The good news: dental implant eating restrictions are temporary!
Getting dental implants is a process that takes months, multiple appointments and surgery. The surgery involves implanting titanium screws into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth’s roots. Post-surgery, during the recovery period, patients will need to be gentle on the treated area and reduce their consumption of certain foods and drinks.
The good news is this is only temporarily necessary while patients are healing from surgery. Eventually, patients with dental implants can transition to a regular diet again. This is one of the biggest reasons people choose dental implants over wearable alternatives.
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What can I eat after dental implant surgery?
After dental implant surgery, your dentist will provide you with after-care instructions and discuss what foods and drinks are safe to consume during recovery. During the first 24-48 hours after surgery, it is recommended that patients follow a cool, liquid diet with minimal chewing. This can include:
- Soups and broths (not too hot!)
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Baby food and pureed meals
- Yoghurt
- Ice cream
- Smoothies and shakes
Over the week or two post-surgery, patients can slowly introduce other foods into their diet.
What NOT to eat or drink after dental implant surgery?
Consuming hot food or drinks, chewing foods, drinking through a straw or smoking a cigarette are actions that can irritate the surgical wound in your mouth. The area is especially sensitive in the first few days after implant surgery, so be sure to avoid the following:
- Anything tough or chewy like steak
- Chilli or hot spices
- Hot temperature foods
- Soft drinks
- Nuts, seeds, raw fruits
- Popcorn
- Crunchy snacks like chips
- Ice cubes, do not chew them
- Sticky foods like confectionery
- Avoid drinking through straws
What happens if I accidentally eat solid food?
If you accidentally consume food that is chewy or hot in temperature, it is not a cause for concern as long as you are not in pain. If it has been less than a day since surgery, clean the area gently with a lukewarm salt-water rinse.
If, however, you are experiencing pain and/or discomfort in your gums after eating or drinking, contact a dentist in Croydon as soon as possible for emergency dental care.
How long after getting dental implants can I eat normally?
Recovery times can vary for each dental implant patient. For most patients, transitioning from a liquid-only diet to a regular diet usually takes about two weeks. It is a gradual process but once you are fully healed, you will be able to enjoy all your favourite foods again for life because implants are permanent!
How much is a dental implant in Croydon?
Dental implant costs are calculated per tooth and can vary considerably based on different factors. This includes:
- Surgery complexity
- Additional surgeries
- Private health insurance coverage
- Number of implants
If you’d like to learn more about dental implant costs in Croydon, contact the team at The Fine Tooth Company today.
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Dental implants are truly transformative missing tooth replacements. They help patients achieve a full, natural-looking smile and the ability to eat whatever they please!
Our Croydon dental clinic, The Fine Tooth Company offers a range of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments including dental implants. If you are exploring missing tooth replacements for yourself or your dependent, book a consultation with our experienced family dentists in Croydon today.
