Dental implant surgery is a common and relatively safe procedure. However, there are some dietary restrictions after surgery that you’ll need to follow in the days and weeks following the procedure.
Here’s what you need to know about what to eat after dental implant surgery.
Blog Navigation
- Will I Be Able to Eat Normally After Dental Implant Surgery?
- After Implant Surgery, Which Types of Food Can I Eat?
- What Foods Should I Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery?
- When Can I Go Back to My Normal Diet?
- What Are the Consequences of Not Following Diet Restrictions After Implant Surgery?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked questions
Will I Be Able to Eat Normally After Dental Implant Surgery?
You may be wondering if you can eat normally after dental implant surgery. Fortunately, the answer is yes! Within a few days after the procedure, you should be able to eat normally, gradually increasing your intake to the level of your pre-surgery diet. Of course, it will take time for the implants to heal before any hard or crunchy foods can be eaten–but that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy your favorite foods.
Your dentist will give you specific instructions about what to eat and drink in the days after surgery. This may include avoiding certain foods that can aggravate the area.

After Implant Surgery, Which Types of Food Can I Eat?
It’s important to know what to eat after implant surgery. Stick to liquid food hours after surgery. A soft food diet for the first few days while your mouth heals is highly recommended. This means eating softer foods that are easy to chew and won’t put too much pressure on your new implants during the recovery period.
Here are ten food ideas to get you started on the right diet after implant surgery:
- Soup:
Broth-based soups are an excellent option after dental surgery. Just be sure to avoid anything with small pieces of meat or vegetables that could get stuck in your teeth. - Eggs:
Soft-boiled or scrambled eggs are a great way to get protein without putting too much strain on your teeth. - Yogurt:
Choose yogurt that is low in sugar. Its probiotics support gut health during healing. You may also include cottage cheese. - Pudding:
Pudding is another soft food that is easy on the teeth and can be customized to taste with different toppings like fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips. - Mashed potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are comfort food that is usually gentle on the stomach and easy to eat without putting too much pressure on the teeth. - Macaroni and cheese:
Another classic comfort food, mac and cheese, can be made with whole wheat pasta for added nutrients and fibre. - Smoothies and Ice cream:
Smoothies are a great way to get vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables while also being easy on the teeth. - Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is considered a cooked cereal. It’s filling and full of important nutrients like fibre and protein. Toppings like fruit or honey can add flavour without straining the teeth. - Applesauce:
Applesauce is tasty as is or can be spiced up with cinnamon for an extra flavour punch. It’s also a great source of vitamin C for immune support during the healing process. - Cooked vegetables:
Cooked vegetables can be soft enough on the teeth and provide important vitamins and minerals. Adding a bit of butter or cheese to cooked veggies can make them easier to chew.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on your diet after implant surgery. Other good options include fish and foods with soft textures. Also, remember to drink plenty of water.
Talk to your doctor or surgeon about other foods that may be appropriate for you as you go through the recovery process.
What Foods Should I Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery?
You may be wondering what to eat after implant surgery. It is advised that you follow a diet to aid in healing and avoid harming the new implants.
There are some foods that you should avoid, as they can cause damage to the implants or lead to other dental problems. Here are ten foods to avoid after dental implant surgery:
- Hard candy
- Ice
- Nuts
- Potato chips
- Popcorn
- Sticky food such as candies and gum
- Raw vegetables
- Chewy foods such as meat
- Alcohol
- Acidic foods and drinks and citrus fruits
Additionally, hot liquids and spicy food should be avoided as these can irritate the oral tissues and cause complications.
When Can I Go Back to My Normal Diet?
Though some restrictions may exist, most people can return to their normal diet a couple of days or a week after dental implant surgery. It’s important to listen to your body and follow your dentist’s instructions after oral surgery.
Soft foods are usually the food choice for the first few days after surgery. You may also need to eat slowly and avoid crunchy or hard foods. As you heal, you can start adding more variety to your diet.
Once the implant has fully healed, you should be able to eat whatever you want without any problems. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your dentist. They can help you figure out when you can go back to your normal diet.
What Are the Consequences of Not Following Diet Restrictions After Implant Surgery?
One of the most important things to remember after implant surgery is to follow diet restrictions. Your diet will be different for a while, and it is important to follow it closely.
If you fail to follow the diet restrictions after surgery, you may:
- Experience more pain and swelling
- Be at risk for infection
- Have a longer healing time
- Not get the full benefit from your surgery
If you have questions about what you should or should not eat, please talk to your dentist or dietitian. They will be able to help you create a plan that is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Diet is a major factor in the success of your dental implant surgery. Following your oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions is important, especially on what you can and cannot eat after a dental implant procedure. Following these diet restrictions after surgery can help you recover and achieve a beautiful, confident smile.
If you have any questions or concerns about your diet or how it may impact your dental implant surgery, please book an appointment through our website or call Maylands Dental Centre. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide additional resources to support your post-operative care. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked questions
Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth so that you can eat comfortably with them. However, avoid hard or crunchy foods and sticky sweets, as these can damage the implants.
It would help if you visited your dentist at least twice a year for a routine checkup, even after getting dental implants. This helps to monitor the health of your mouth and the longevity of your dental implants. If any issues arise between visits, please contact your dentist immediately.
Dental implants can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. However, if an implant is damaged or breaks, it must be replaced. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly so any issues can be detected and addressed as early as possible. In most cases, the prosthesis attached to the implant may have to be replaced every 10-15 years, depending on the wear and tear, but the implant can still be used afterwards.
You can do many things to prolong the lifespan of your dental implants. Here are five tips:
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly. This will help remove plaque and bacteria around the implant.
- Avoid smoking, as this can increase the risk of implant failure.
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Have regular checkups with your dentist to keep your implants healthy and reduce the risk of complications.
- Follow any instructions your dentist gives you regarding care for the implant.
Following these tips can help make your dental implants last for many years.