Dr. Zin’s Blog

Getting dental implant surgery is a big step. While you may be looking forward to eating normally again, there are some foods to avoid after getting dental implants in Woodland Hills, Ca. The restrictive diet won't be forever, though, but paying attention to it during your healing period will help ensure the success of your implants.

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth. They perform just like regular teeth and restore approximately 80 percent or more of your normal chewing function. Dental implants can replace missing or badly damaged teeth or complete dentures when all the teeth are removed.

The dental implant itself is a small post anchored in the jawbone and serves as the "root" of the new tooth. The post, or screw, is typically made of titanium, which fuses with the existing bone of the jaw to form a permanent mount.

Once the screw, or root, is firmly anchored, the doctor will install an abutment to the top of the anchor. The abutment serves as the connector to lock the replacement tooth, called a crown, onto the screw.

Dental implants are custom-fit to each patient, matching natural teeth' size, shape, and coloration. The process may take several weeks and several visits from beginning to end. When complete, most people will not be able to tell which teeth are your own and which are implants.

Understanding the Implant Procedure

The entire implant procedure begins with an outpatient surgery (done in one day with no overnight hospital stay) but includes many other steps. There is necessary healing time between each stage of the process. In most cases, the process will follow these steps:

1. Removal of damaged teeth.
2. Preparation of the jawbone if necessary, which may include bone grafting to strengthen the jawbone.
3. Placement of the implant screws.
4. Healing period to allow screws (roots) to fuse with the jawbone.
5. Placement of the abutment.
6. Placement of the replacement tooth or teeth.

During each step in the process, you may have special diets and instructions for oral care, such as saltwater rinses. Because the process can take several months from start to finish, you must follow all instructions between the steps of the procedure.

Why Healing Time is Necessary

Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure to install the titanium screws that act as the root for the replacement teeth. Following placement of the screws, it takes time for your bone to fuse with the titanium screw to stabilize the anchor. The process may take several months and requires patience.

Although you may be ready to move on to the next step in the process, allowing ample healing time is necessary. The risks from infection are most significant right after surgery. Following all the aftercare instructions, including foods to avoid after getting dental implants, is essential for proper healing.

Foods to Avoid After Getting Dental Implants

Right after your surgery and for the first week to ten days, you should avoid the following foods:

• Crunchy and hard foods, such as potato chips, taco shells, hard candies, seeds, and nuts.
• Sticky foods, such as caramels.
• Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits.
• Hot and spicy foods, including soups, coffee, tea, and foods with heavy spices or peppers.

Foods that are difficult to chew should be limited or avoided. That includes that tough steak and some types of crusty bread. The more you have to move your jaw to chew, the higher the potential risk to your healing implant site. Apples, ice cubes, and carrots might be good for you, but they can cause added healing time during the first week after implant surgery.

Once your mouth has healed, you will be able to resume your regular eating habits. While implants act just like natural teeth, they may stain more easily, so limiting dark beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wines will help maintain your bright smile.

Foods You Can Eat After Getting Dental Implants

Nutrition during the healing process is important. During the first week, stick to easy-to-chew proteins such as eggs, chicken, ground beef meals, and fish. After the first 12 hours, you can begin returning to your regular diet slowly while avoiding the items that are more difficult to chew.

For carbohydrates, most potatoes are fine except for extra crispy French Fries. Fix them mashed, baked, boiled, or fried. Baked sweet potatoes are great also. Oats and bananas are also good carbohydrate choices if you don't like potatoes.

Don't forget your dairy products. Yogurt, smoothies, protein shakes, and most cheeses are OK. Don't drink smoothies and shakes with a straw, though, as that could disrupt the clotting and healing process. Applesauce and soft fruits are OK, but avoid any that require excessive chewing.

Remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated during your recovery period. After any procedure with general anesthesia, extra fluid intake is highly recommended.

As you near the end of the first week, you may begin to chew carefully near the implant site. The area may feel tender or bruised. If it is painful (more than a slight discomfort), don't hesitate to contact Dr. Zin and Diamond Dental Spa located in Woodland Hills, CA.

Care After Getting Your New Dental Implants

In addition to avoiding certain foods after receiving your new implants, you should also avoid the following activities:

Smoking or chewing tobacco can slow down the healing process after dental implant surgery. Consider quitting these habits before having dental implant surgery for a seamless recovery period.

Although saltwater rinses will be a part of your aftercare program, you should avoid rinsing excessively or vigorously. Gentle swishing will keep the area clean without disturbing the site of implants and possibly causing bleeding. Also, try to avoid spitting, as this action may cause stress on the implant site.

Avoid drinking with a straw and avoid carbonated beverages. The action of using a straw creates suction which can dislodge the blood clot over your implant area. Carbonated drinks can irritate the area around your implant, and many sodas and fizzy flavored waters also have a high acid content.

Avoid using an electric toothbrush or water flossing device. While generally recommended for oral care, these modern conveniences should be avoided for the first few days after implant surgery. You'll need to brush and floss gently, which is more difficult with these devices.

Diamond Dental Spa -- Your Cosmetic Dental Specialist in Woodland Hills, CA.

Diamond Dental Spa is your go-to source for cosmetic dentistry if you are considering dental implants. Whether you are a new or returning patient, you can schedule your appointment using the Appointment Widget. If you are ready to explore the many ways to make your smile better, Dr. Zin Kohan and the entire staff at Diamond Dental Spa are prepared to help!