Dental implants are remarkable prosthetic dental devices that feel, work, and look just like real teeth, and one of the most significant advantages they offer is that they restore almost all a patient’s chewing power after tooth loss. While this means that dental implants can allow you to enjoy many foods that are practically impossible to eat without teeth such as steak, nuts, and snappy raw fruits and veggies, you’ll need to stick to a soft diet while healing after having them placed. Here are a few great foods to enjoy after getting implants.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Traditional dental restorations like bridges and dentures must rely on the mouth’s natural suction or be mounted on healthy teeth to stay in place, and this leaves them with inadequate leverage for maximum chewing power. Dental implants, on the other hand, are surgically placed in the jawbone and fused with its structure through the natural process of osseointegration, giving them the sturdy foundation they need to exert optimal force. This procedure is performed after the patient receives an appropriate anesthetic to keep them comfortable.
Once the patient’s mouth is suitably numb, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and surgically insert a titanium post into the jawbone. Then, they will close the wound around the new implant and provide the patient with detailed aftercare instructions. Following these rules will help ensure that your recovery process is comfortable and complication-free.
What Should I Eat After Receiving Dental Implants?
While dental implants can chew any food that real teeth can, you’ll need to let them rest during your recovery period so they can bond properly with your jawbone. To avoid stressing them, stick to a diet of mild, soft foods that are low in acid and not extremely hot or cold. A few excellent choices include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed veggies
- Shredded meat
- White fish
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Bananas
You can typically resume eating normally when you are able to do so comfortably. By following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can help your implants form a strong connection with your jawbone so they can function well and look great for many years.
About the Practice
Baltimore Dental Arts delivers outstanding oral healthcare in a warm and welcoming office environment. With Drs. Charlie and Melody Ward, Devon Conklin, and Kevin Murphy in charge, each patient receives personalized care and genuine compassion as well as exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To learn more about recovering after receiving dental implants, contact the office online or dial (410) 372-0202.