How Soon After Implant Surgery Can I Eat Normally?
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Dental implants are a great solution for anyone who wants to restore their smile and get a confidence boost. While dental implant surgery is a routine procedure, there will be some recovery aftercare needed, especially when it comes to eating food. You will be able to eat normally about a week after your dental implant surgery, and a return to a regular diet should be gentle and easy. It will also be gradual during the first 12 hours after the procedure.
If you are considering dental implant surgery, schedule a virtual consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi at Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Las Vegas, NV.
What happens the first 12 hours after my dental implant surgery?
The area where you received your implant will feel numb for a few hours after the procedure. Stick with soft foods for the first six hours after the procedure. Soft foods, like applesauce, yogurt, and smoothies, are useful if you avoid anything abrasive. Make sure whatever you consume doesn’t contain seeds, nuts, or anything else that might feel solid. Don’t forget to also chew away from the implant site, as doing so reduces the stress in that area.
You can move on to some firm but solid foods after the first six hours. Some of the things you can eat include pasta, cooked vegetables, and eggs. The implant area should no longer feel numb, but you should still chew away from that spot.
What foods can I eat the first week after dental implant surgery?
You can start going back to a regular diet after the first 12 hours, but you must be cautious when doing so. You can safely enjoy many foods during that week:
- Proteins like eggs, chicken, fish, and ground beef are useful, especially if they are cooked and not firm.
- Healthy carbohydrates can include sweet potatoes, oats, and bananas.
- You can also enjoy dairy products, like protein shakes or yogurt.
- Be sure to also remain hydrated and drink water throughout the day.
Avoid missing a meal, as the healing process will go faster if you consume your meals as usual. You can also start chewing near the implant site, but do not chew too hard in that area.
What foods should I avoid the first week after dental implant surgery?
Dr. Michaela Tozzi wants to ensure you’re taking the recovery process with care. Be sure to also avoid these foods during the first week after the surgery:
- Do not use any straws when drinking.
- Avoid carbonated beverages, as they are acidic and may harm the implant.
- Avoid crunchy, sticky, and other abrasive foods that might get in the way of the implant. These include seeds, chips, and other hard foods.
- Tomatoes and oranges are acidic and can harm the area.
- Hot or spicy foods can irritate. Do not consume hot soup, coffee, tea, or assorted hot peppers.
What happens after the first week?
You will be ready to eat normally after the first week following the procedure. The timing ensures you’ll receive the help you need. But make sure you observe how well the area around your implant responds to your regular diet. The area should stop swelling and bleeding but watch for any concerns and contact us if you have any worries.
Where can I find out more information about dental implants in Las Vegas, NV?
At Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Las Vegas, NV, we are dedicated to giving you the care you deserve during your dental implant surgery. After the procedure, you’ll be back to your normal dietary routine within a few short weeks. If you are in the Las Vegas or Henderson, NV area and want to improve your smile with dental implants, contact us today to learn more about how Dr. Michaeala Tozzi can serve your needs.