Are you about to get all-on-4 dental implants at SouthEnd Dentistry or another dental restoration? Then check out this short blog post to discover what foods you can and can’t eat right after surgery.
Why Do You Have Diet Restrictions After All-on-4 Implant Surgery?
All-on-4 dental implants are a type of mouth reconstruction that replaces the entire arch. An oral surgeon will strategically place four dental implants into the jawbone, after which a denture is attached on top, effectively restoring the patient’s smile.
Your body will need some time to recover after your surgery. Though you’ll be fitted with temporary dentures, for the first few weeks your mouth will likely be sore, and eating some of your favorite foods may cause discomfort.
Moreover, placing too much pressure on the implant site can affect your healing timeline. Usually, patients need 4-6 months to fully heal from implant surgery. Once this happens, the implants are fused to the jaw bone and other tissues, allowing you to get your permanent dentures attached.
What You Can Eat After All-on-4 Implant Surgery
First, you should know that these dietary changes won’t last forever, nor will you need to make them for the full 4-6 months of osseointegration.
But you will need to gradually adjust your diet based on the healing timeline.
In the first few weeks, your oral surgeon will recommend a liquid-based diet only. As your jaw is still sore, a liquid diet that doesn’t involve chewing allows it to heal faster. Some of the foods you can eat include:
- Soups (liquid or cream)
- Mashed potatoes and other mashed vegetables
- Ice cream
- Applesauce
- Pudding
- Yogurt
Also, you’re allowed to drink coffee, tea, and other beverages; just be sure to stay hydrated. Drinking water is very important for your healing.
After around two weeks, you can slowly start to introduce harder foods into your diet. But don’t start with a juicy steak or crackers just yet. Opt for:
- Pasta
- Boiled vegetables
- Softer fruits and vegetables
- Stews, etc.
You should also pay attention to your body. If you’re sore when eating, you may need to switch back to your liquid diet for a while. Your jaw might need more time to heal.
Over time, you will be able to enjoy your favorite foods again. Just be sure to be patient, and remember that you’re making these small changes to enjoy a happy and healthy new smile for the rest of your life!
Find Out If All-on-4 Dental Implants Are Right for You
Did you know that dental implants have a very high success rate? That’s because patients are carefully screened before the procedure to find out if they are good candidates.
If you’re interested in all-on-4 implants or individual ones, come meet our Charlotte dentist to find out if these smile restorations are right for you.
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