Following dental implant surgery, your dentist will give you a list of aftercare instructions to help protect the implant site and prevent post-surgical complications like infection. In addition to resting and using an ice pack, you need to eat non-chew foods for the first 48 to 72 hours, then a diet of soft foods for the next two weeks. This avoids irritation and inflammation around your dental implants, which can slow the healing process.
To ensure you get enough nutritional diversity and calories to support your body while it heals, here are several nutrient-dense soft foods to eat after dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implant surgery, aftercare, or signs of infection, find a dentist that offers a free consultation so you can make the right decision for your oral health.
Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Implants: Blended Soups and Broths
For the first two to three days after dental implant surgery, you need a liquid diet to reduce inflammation around your dental implants. Blended vegetable soups or bone broths are high in vitamins, minerals, and collagen to help rebuild tissue around the wound site.
Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Implants: Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are a complete source of protein and are high in iron, which are crucial nutrients for cell renewal and wound care. Make a soft scramble and serve with slices of soft, ripe avocado for healthy fats and fibre for a well-rounded breakfast.
Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Implants: Fish
Soft or flaky fish like cod, salmon, trout, or perch are excellent soft foods to eat after dental implant surgery. Fish are high in zinc which is an integral part of your immune system and facilitates tissue repair. It is also a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, helping reduce oxidative stress during healing and minimise swelling.
Steam or bake your fish in the oven to ensure it remains soft and not crunchy. Avoid crumbing or battering the fish because small food particles can become lodged in your dental implants and may lead to infection.
Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Implants: Fruit Purees
Fruit smoothies and purees are an excellent source of fibre and a range of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, to support immune function. Ensure you choose soft fruits like peaches, strawberries, and bananas, or steam harder fruits like apples and pears before blending. Always use a high-speed blender to reduce lumps and seeds. Or, strain the puree to avoid seeds from getting stuck in your dental implants.
You could also try refrigerating or freezing fruit-based baby food pouches for a refreshing snack on the go. The cold temperature can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Implants: Slow Braised Meat
Red meats like beef and lamb are high in iron to support cellular growth. However, they can be challenging to chew after dental implant surgery. Slow braise meat with stock and vegetables in your slow cooker or oven for several hours to break down tough connective tissue and make it easier to eat.
Get a Free Dental Consultation Near You at the Digital Dental Implant Institute
If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implants, call DDII on (02) 4325 5825 to get a free consultation at your local dental clinic in Gosford or Sydney CBD. Our experienced dental team can answer your questions about digital dental implant surgery and how you can benefit from shorter recovery times and a higher dental implant success rate.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2277319/
6 Reasons Why Eggs Are the Healthiest Food on the Planet
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-reasons-why-eggs-are-the-healthiest-food-on-the-planet
Dental implant procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant
