Dental Implant Care

Dental implants from Dentist On Warrigal give our patients not only an improved smile but a chance to live a healthier, happier life.

Like any other form of surgery, however, post-surgical dental implant care does involve some temporary changes in the patient’s lifestyle.

Depending upon the number of dental implants and the location, occasionally bruise to the gum lines can occur, that usually will subside quite quickly.

Hence avoiding hard foods like nuts or legumes in favour of items like scrambled eggs, applesauce, and soup in the first few day’s post-surgery will reduce any pain or uneasiness in the mouth.

Examples of Foods to Avoid after Implant Surgery

The first 10-14 days post-procedure are the most critical as far as recovery is concerned.

You should avoid foods that may delay the healing process.

These include:

• Apples or fruits that are crunchy like pears.
• Potato or corn chips.
• Crusty bread such as French bread.
•  Hard taco shells and snacks that need a bit of cracking
•  Carrots (unless shredded into small pieces).
• Steaks or meats that require rigorous chewing.

Avoid acidic, sugary, or alcoholic drinks.

Using a straw may cause a problem called “dry socket.” Drink from a cup instead.

It’s best to avoid excessively hot or cold beverages, as these can cause discomfort and may complicate your recovery.

Foods to Enjoy after Implant Surgery

In general, soft foods that are easy to digest are the best choices for the first two weeks or so after surgery.

They include:

• Scrambled eggs
• Yogurt
• Protein drinks with no added sugar
• Oatmeal
• Macaroni and cheese
• Soft bread
• Applesauce
• Soups (avoid tomato-based ones if possible)

As far as beverages go, chilled water is a great choice. So is warm beef or chicken broth.

Avoid drinking fruit juices, as these tend to be high in sugar and may also be highly acidic.

Foods to Avoid or Minimise over the Long Term

One of the best things about dental implants is that they allow you to eat normally once the recovery period is finished.

Still, certain choices should be avoided or minimised, both for the sake of longevity of your implants and your overall health.

These include:

• Highly-coloured beverages, such as tea, coffee, and red wine. These can stain your dental implants as well as natural teeth, especially when consumed in large quantities.
• Alcoholic beverages. Drink these products only in moderation or simply avoid them. Most forms of alcohol are high in sugar or simple carbs.
• Sugary foods. There is nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional sweet indulgence. However, traditional desserts can promote spread of decay-causing bacteria in your mouth.

They can also raise your blood sugar, contribute to weight gain, and compromise your health in other ways.

Excess sugar in mouth can promote periodontal (Gum disease) which in turn will cause loss of bone density- Bone loss can cause implants to become loose over a period of time.

What to Eat Instead

A healthy diet includes an adequate amount of protein, unsaturated fats, complex carbs, fibre, and vitamins and minerals.

Here are some foods that are rich in these nutrients:

• Lean cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and turkey
• Vegetarian sources of protein like tofu and tempeh
• Cooked beans
• Fresh, uncooked vegetables
• Whole grain bread
• Fresh, unprocessed fruit

Optimum Dental Care in Cheltenham

Your dentist in Dentist On Warrigal may have added post-implant tips for you to consider.

With proper dental implant care, keeping them can be the key to a hassle-free future.

Dentist On Warrigal Cheltenham aims to promote optimum oral health to patients from Cheltenham and the surrounding areas.

Visit your dentist in Cheltenham to know more about your oral health condition and what we can do to improve it.

For your dental concerns and enquiries, contact us on (03) 9583 5506 or request your appointment online.

We are located at Suite C, 151 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.