Obtaining dental implants from a dentist in Edmonton typically involves two steps. First, an implant is placed into your jaw. Then, after you’ve had a chance to recover over several weeks, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant to fix your restoration (bridge or tooth, for example). In some cases, the first surgery may be preceded by a tooth extraction depending on your personal situation. For example, if you have elected to be fit with implant-supported dentures, natural teeth may need to be extracted even before the first step of the implant process.
In advance of and after the various implant procedures, your dentist In Edmonton will provide you with detailed instructions about how to ensure your full and quick recovery. One of the most critical contributors to your recovery or factors that can delay your recovery is the food and drink you consume. To help ensure you achieve your full recovery, here’s some guidance about what not to eat and drink, and what to focus on eating and drinking instead.
Foods and beverages to avoid in the short term
During the first 10 to 14 days after implant surgery, your gums, jaw, and implant will be vulnerable, tender, and prone to potential infection and injury that can interfere with your full recovery. During this period, it is especially important to avoid foods and behaviours that may interfere with the clot left behind by your dentist in Edmonton during implant surgery. Key things to avoid include smoking, drinking alcohol (which can also , and drinking with a straw. In addition to those specific prohibitions, you should avoid the following foods during your recovery period:
- Anything excessively hot or cold; instead, keep all your foods and drinks mild and lukewarm
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots
- Crunchy snacks like pretzels and potato chips
- Bread with hard crusts such as French bread
- Hard foods such as taco shells
- Hard to chew foods and meats such as steak unless cut into small pieces
Foods and beverages to eat in the short term
The goal for the first 10 days to two weeks after surgery for dental implants in Edmonton is to make eating and chewing as easy as possible for your teeth and gums. You can do that by focusing on eating soft foods that are mild or lukewarm (not too hot or too cold):
- Eggs
- Yoghurts, smoothies, and applesauce
- Unsweetened protein drinks
- Unsweetened oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes and other soft foods like macaroni and cheese
- Soups (while avoiding highly acidic ingredients including tomatoes)
Foods and beverage to avoid in the long term
Once you’ve fully recovered from your surgery and received your dental implants in Edmonton, you’ll be able to eat and drink completely naturally. Having said that, all of the foods and drinks that are bad for or good for your teeth, generally, or bad and good for you while living with dental implants in Edmonton. To ensure your best oral health and sustain the health and integrity of your implants, here are some foods to avoid. On the flip side, we’ll provide a list of some foods you can eat that will boost your dental health and — in the bargain — contribute to good health and a healthy weight at the same time.
- Tea, coffee, colas, red wine and other strongly coloured beverages that can stain your teeth and implants
- Alcoholic and sugary beverages and foods except as as an occasional indulgence because they promote the development of bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay
Foods to eat in the long term
- Lean portions of meat including turkey and chicken, and beef and pork
- Vegetarian protein sources including tofu and tempeh
- Cooked beans and legumes
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grain breads
If you ever have any questions about recovering from your implant surgery or any step in the process, don’t hesitate to contact a dentist near you. Your dentist’s goal is the same as yours: To achieve a full and quick recovery and long-term oral health.
