According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss is common in adults 35 and older. By the age of 45, most are missing at least a few teeth and, by the age of 74, many are missing all of their teeth. One of the most popular options for tooth replacement, according to the American Dental Association is dental implants, with research indicating that more than 5 million procedures are done every year.
Missing teeth can cause a variety of oral and overall health issues, as well as impact mental health, including confidence. Dr. Shahbazyan is passionate about helping her patients get their smile and their confidence back. She has completed several certifications in implant dentistry and strives to fine-tune her current skills as well as learn new ones.
When you are recovering from dental implant surgery, it's important to know that there are some foods that you should eat to improve your recovery process, as well as foods that you should avoid because they can negatively impact your recovery. One of the foods you should avoid- at least for a few days- is dairy products.
Below, we'll explain what will help you recover versus what could slow down your recovery. We'll also explain why you should avoid dairy and when you can expect to return to your normal diet.
Food to Eat after Dental Implant Surgery
Any time you have surgery, there is a recovery period. The foods that you eat can have an impact on your recovery. There are certain foods that can improve your recovery experience, as well as foods that can be detrimental to your recovery. We'll take a closer look at each of these below:
Food that Promote Recovery
On the day of your surgery, you'll want to wait until the anesthesia wears off before you try to eat anything. When you do, you'll want to stick to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours, including smoothies, cold soups, and applesauce. When you are drinking liquids, you should not use a straw, as the force of the suction can put pressure on the implant. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for the first few days.
After the first few days, you can transition to a soft food diet, which you should stick to for a few months while osseointegration takes place. This should include:
Eggs, omelets, milk, yogurt, cheese, potatoes, fish, ground beef, chicken, and other soft foods such as fruits and veggies, pasta, soft bread, oatmeal, and more.
Foods to Avoid
There are certain foods that can cause damage to the implants, complications with your recovery, and possible implant failure. Therefore, it's important to avoid tough, sticky, spicy, crunchy, acidic, and chewy foods for at least one week following implant surgery. You should also avoid foods and beverages that are extremely hot.
Why Avoid Dairy after Dental Implant Surgery?
Dairy is packed with vitamins and minerals that are good for your body, including:
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Phosphorous
Calcium
Riboflavin
These vitamins and minerals are important for your bone health and should be consumed during your recovery. However, you may want to avoid dairy for a few days immediately following surgery.
Dental implant surgery is fairly invasive, and the surgical site is already inflamed. Dairy has been shown to trigger inflammation in soft oral tissues, which can at the very least irritate the surgical site and may even cause implant failure. In addition, dairy may cause nausea and vomiting, especially in patients who are lactose intolerant. This introduces stomach acid into the mouth, which can get into the surgical site, causing inflammation and possibly implant failure.
However, once the surgical site begins to heal, you can include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, ice cream, etc in your recovery diet.
When Can I Return To My Normal Diet?
You can begin to transition to a more normal diet when you feel ready. However, you will want to avoid crunchy, tough, chewy, sticky foods until your jawbone has healed around and fused with the implants.
Schedule Your Consultation with Us Today!
If you are missing some or all of your natural teeth and are interested in exploring your options for replacement, schedule your consultation with the team at Shahbazyan Dental Studio. Dr. Shahbazyan has completed several certifications in implant dentistry. She has the experience and expertise to help you get your smile and your confidence back.
We are located on North Cedar Avenue in Fresno. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We accept a variety of insurance plans. Unfortunately, dental insurance often classifies dental implants as cosmetic, so they do not cover any portion of the procedure.
Our office staff will work with your dental provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover implants, we do offer financing options that can help make the cost more manageable.
Dental Implant Surgery FAQs
Dr. Shahbazyan and the team will be glad to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have regarding dental implant surgery and recovery. Below are some of the most common questions about dietary options following surgery.
When can I eat rice after dental implant surgery?
When you transition to a soft food diet after the first few days, you can include rice in your diet.
What not to drink after implant surgery?
You should avoid alcohol for at least a few days following implant surgery. You also want to avoid drinking beverages that are extremely hot for about a week. This will allow the surgical site time to heal.
How long does it take for dental implants to settle?
Typically, it takes about 5 to 7 months for the process of osseointegration, which is the process of the jawbone healing around and fusing with the dental implants. After this is complete, you'll be able to eat anything you like.
Can I eat bread after dental implant surgery?
Yes, when you transition to a soft food diet, you can include soft bread in your diet. You will want to avoid hard, crusty bread until your transition back to your normal diet.
Can I drink coffee with implants?
Yes, you can drink coffee with dental implants. However, you'll want to drink it lukewarm for the first week. If you consume foods or beverages that are extremely hot during this time, it can have a detrimental impact on your healing.
Shahbazyan DDS Cosmetic & General Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care with a focus on both cosmetic and general dentistry to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Led by Dr. Shahbazyan, a skilled and compassionate dentist, the clinic provides a full range of services, including preventive care, restorative treatments, and advanced cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers.
With a commitment to using the latest technology and personalized treatment plans, Shahbazyan DDS ensures each patient receives exceptional care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you're seeking routine dental exams or transformative cosmetic treatments, trust Shahbazyan DDS for all your dental needs.
At Shahbazyan Dental Studio in Fresno, CA, we offer a wide range of restorative dentistry services to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. Our experienced team provides personalized treatments using advanced technology for optimal results. We specialize in dental crowns to protect damaged teeth, dental bridges to replace missing teeth, and dental implants for permanent tooth replacement. We also offer custom-made dentures for comfort and function, as well as tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our goal is to help you smile confidently and maintain optimal oral health.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss is common in adults 35 and older. By the age of 45, most are missing at least a few teeth and, by the age of 74, many are missing all of their teeth. One of the most popular options for tooth replacement, according to the American Dental Association is dental implants, with research indicating that more than 5 million procedures are done every year.
