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So, you just completed your dental implant surgery? Congratulations! You’ve invested in your smile for the long-haul. Now, you’ll need proper care and attention during this critical recovery period. One of the most important things for you to do now is consider your diet. Good, wholesome food supports healing and minimizes the risk of complications. However, there are some foods that can have the opposite effect. Read on to find a helpful guide to the foods you should avoid after dental implant surgery.
1. Tough or Fibrous Foods
Tough meats and fibrous foods, such as steak, jerky, and raw vegetables, require extensive chewing. These can put stress on your healing implants, possibly displacing or dislodging them. Ground or sliced meats and steamed vegetables minimize strain on your implants and aid a smoother recovery process.
2. Sticky Carbs and Candies
Foods that are sticky or chewy, such as caramel, taffy, or crusty bread, should be avoided in the days following your surgery. These treats can stick around and cause bacteria to multiply, disrupting the healing process and increasing the risk of infection.
3. Foods with Kick
While you may enjoy the kick of spicy foods, the areas around your implants will not! Spices, especially those containing capsaicin (the compound that makes foods burn), can be irritating to surgical sites. Try to limit or avoid spicy foods, sauces, and condiments that may cause discomfort or inflammation during the healing period.
4. Drinking Alcohol
Once your implants have healed, you can begin to introduce alcohol back into your diet. However, while your implants are healing, it’s best to refrain. Alcohol decreases your blood oxygen levels and can inhibit the production of white blood cells. This creates an environment that drastically reduces your ability to heal.
5. Acidic Food and Drink
Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated drinks, can be abrasive to the sensitive tissues surrounding your implants. In addition, acidic foods cause a rise in blood pH levels. Your body compensates for this by leeching calcium, an essential nutrient your implants need to fuse with your jawbone!
By avoiding these foods and following your dentist’s instructions post-surgery, you can support the healing process and maximize the success of your dental implants. If you need more personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They can give you good recommendations for healthy foods to eat while your smile is on the mend!
About the Author
Dr. Kolade Akinwande is a bright and passionate dental expert with a big heart. She loves helping her patients lead happier, healthier lives by helping them heal their smiles. Dr. Akinwande earned her dental degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry and has gone through advanced training for dental implant placement. Call (301) 843-0225 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Open Smiles Dental or visit the website to learn more.