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Healthy Tips From Dr. Troyan
If you choose to restore your smile with dental implants, you’ll have to be cautious about what you eat within the first 10-14 days. Your gum tissue is going to be tender for a couple of weeks, so it’s important to let your gums heal to ensure you get the most out of your implants. As a result, we recommend a soft-food diet for at least the first week or two after surgery.
Just because you’re limited in what you can eat doesn’t mean your health or energy will suffer. Numerous food options are still available, and many of them contain the proper nutrients to assist with your healing process. Explore our guide to learn about eating after dental implant surgery.
Recommended Foods
The following foods are not only easy on your gums, but they’re also a great source of protein and other essential nutrients:
- Greek yogurt — Greek yogurt is packed with protein and is a tasty snack during your recovery period. Add some soft fruit and honey to sweeten the yogurt.
- Protein shake/smoothie — If you want to stay healthy, one of the best meal choices is a protein drink with whey powder, fruits, and veggies. This will help power you towards recovery and your nutrition goals. When adding juice, be sure to choose one that’s low in sugar.
- Scrambled eggs — Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, eggs are a healthy choice to jump-start your day. Add some shredded cheese for more flavor.
- Ground beef and chicken — You can also chop your food into smaller pieces in order to minimize stress on your gums and new implants. These meats are loaded with protein and will help prevent you from getting too hungry.
- Applesauce — The consistency of applesauce makes it easy to eat after implant surgery, and the cooling sensation can relieve gum discomfort. Be sure to get a brand that’s low in sugar, as some applesauce brands can dilute the nutrients with a sugar overload.
Foods to Stay Away From
Some of these may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to stress the importance of post-procedural care. The following foods are either too hard for your tender gums, get easily stuck between teeth, or a combination of the two:
- Popcorn — Most brands of popcorn are very crunchy and have a tendency to get lodged between your teeth.
- Seeds and Nuts — While they offer some nutritional value, these foods can irritate your gums or cause them to swell.
- Chips — Chips have very little nutritional value, and their sharp edges don’t pair well with tender gums.
- Hard Candy — Hard candy is a dangerous choice after implant surgery, as biting down on it could damage your implant while sucking on it may cause your gums to bleed.
Ask Dr. Troyan for Dieting Tips
If you’ve recently received dental implants, make sure to follow these dieting tips. By sticking to soft foods for a week or two after surgery, you’ll greatly increase the chances of your new implant’s success. If you have any questions about which foods to eat, don’t hesitate to call our practice at 847-453-3099 and ask to speak with Dr. Troyan.
