I am anticipating getting four dental implants in August. I am excited about replacing my teeth but worried about how I will manage on a restricted diet. I get weak if I don’t eat enough. What can I expect after implant surgery regarding eating? How soon after surgery will I be able to eat a regular meal? Thanks. Jordyn

Jordyn,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental about what you can eat after dental implant surgery. We will explain the timeline and how to ensure you get enough nutrients.

Is There a Special Diet After Dental Implant Surgery?

After dental implant surgery, you will begin a liquid diet for at least the first day or two. Afterward, you can progress to soft foods that require no chewing. Eventually, you can enjoy foods that require minimal chewing while avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Your implant dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a longer liquid diet.

Timeline for Eating After Getting Dental Implants

The timeline below shows what your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend. Please follow your dentist’s instructions on what to eat and when.

• 24 to 48 hours – Maintain a liquid diet. Drink lukewarm to cool liquid but avoid drinking through a straw to prevent dislodging blood clots at the surgical sites.
• Day 3 to 14 – Avoid icy cold or steamy hot drinks. Soft foods that require minimal chewing are best.
• Day 15 to week 12 – Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing.

What Types of Foods Can You Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

Below are examples of soft foods that require no chewing and food that require minimal chewing.

Soft foods with no chewing

• Jello
• Applesauce
• Pureed fruit, vegetables, and meats
• Smoothies without nuts or seeds
• Hummus
• Yogurt

Soft foods with minimal chewing

• Steamed vegetables
• Baked fruit
• Eggs
• Flaky fish
• Bananas
• Mashed potatoes
• Finely diced meat

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while avoiding sugary drinks. A restricted diet allows your implants and jawbone to fuse. Taking risks and chewing food can cause implant complications.

Your implant dentist or oral surgeon will give detailed instructions for post-operative care and a smooth recovery.

 

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.