After having your dental implants in Columbia placed, it’s important to follow your implant dentist’s aftercare instructions to speed up your healing process and ensure that your titanium posts properly fuse with your jaw. Over the next several months, it’s incredibly important to eat a soft diet, especially since you’ll be wearing a temporary prosthetic that won’t be as strong as your permanent one. Read on to learn what your diet should consist of over the next few months.
Liquids
Liquids will be a large part of your diet over the next few months, but it’s important that you don’t drink through a straw while you’re recovering. This way, your gums will have a better chance of healing properly. Some liquids that you can enjoy when you get home after your procedure include:
- Fruit juices, including ones with pulp.
- Milk
- Coffee and tea
- Soup and bone broth
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Creamy soups that have been strained
- Popsicles
- Milkshakes
- Liquid flavor and nutrient supplements
Carbs
The incorporation of carbs into your diet can help you feel fuller if you’re not feeling satisfied with the foods you’re eating. Because they can attract the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria if you don’t keep up with your oral hygiene routine, be sure to regularly continue brushing and flossing. You can also rinse your mouth with a mild salt water mixture by adding ¼ teaspoon of salt into a glass of water after you eat any of these acceptable carbs:
- Soft bread. Avoid crusty baguettes.
- Waffles
- Pancakes
- Muffins
- Pasta such as spaghetti, macaroni, and rice
- Cooked, refined cereals like Cream of Wheat
- Mashed potatoes
Produce
If you have a sweet tooth but want to avoid consuming foods with excessive amounts of added sugar to them, it’s a good idea to incorporate soft fruits and vegetables into your diet. It’s best to avoid ones that contain seeds, like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Some acceptable ones include:
- Steamed, soft vegetables
- Soft fruits, including bananas, mangoes, peaches, and pears
- Apple sauce
Protein
While you’ll need to avoid chewy and tougher sources of protein like beef, you can still enjoy fish and chicken that’s soft and roasted. Incorporating some of the following meats and substitutes in your meals will help make them feel more filling:
- Broiled fish and soft seafood such as scallops
- Roasted or stewed chicken
- Soups with small pieces of vegetables and meat in them
- Tofu
Dairy
Dairy products are another great soft food choice. They contain vital nutrients that help support your body’s function and immune system. Not to mention, soft cheeses can easily be melted into any meal. Some dairy products you can enjoy include:
- Yogurt
- Cottage Cheese
- Soft cheeses like Brie
- Ice cream
- Pudding
The best way to prepare eating a new diet after your implant placement is to go out and buy groceries beforehand. That way, you’re not tempted to eat something that you shouldn’t or skip a meal. While the first few days eating can be uncomfortable, it will become easier over time. The best way to make a speedy recovery is to follow the aftercare instructions from your dentist in Columbia.
About the Author
Dr. Victor Beck, Jr. has been serving the community of Columbia, TN for over four decades and has a special interest in reconstructing and improving his patients’ smiles so they function and look better than ever. That’s why he’s dedicated to taking hundreds of hours of continuing education courses every year, so he can use the latest treatments the dental field has to offer. He places each of his patients’ implants in-house and has an incredibly high success rate. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Beck Dental Care’s website or call 931-388-8452.