Dental implants are the most modern replacement for missing teeth. They look, feel, and function like real teeth, so many patients opt for this procedure over other alternatives.
However, treatment with dental implants does not come easy. It involves meticulous treatment planning with an experienced implant surgeon to ensure predictable outcomes. And perhaps the most important step for the success of your implants is osseointegration — this is the fusion of your bone to the implant to hold the fixture steady and ready for normal and healthy tooth functions.
The surgery site must remain undisturbed to allow for good osseointegration. Good recovery will also help prevent complications to encourage promising results. This can be done with excellent post-treatment routines, including being mindful of what you eat. This is where your diet comes in.
Carry on reading to learn what you should eat to promote good and speedy healing from implants and why no dairy after dental implant is very important!
What Are the Reasons for Avoiding Dairy After a Dental Implant?
After getting your tooth implant placed, it will take some time to heal completely. For some patients, it can even take up to 6 months. The surgical site must remain healthy during this healing stage to prevent implant failure. And unfortunately, dairy causes an inflammatory reaction in the oral tissues, which may lead to unfavourable healing.
Aside from the effects on the mouth, dairy is also a frequent cause of upset stomach. This may lead to nausea and vomiting. Constant vomiting may trigger unnecessary movements to risk the healing of your newly placed implant.
So how long to avoid dairy after dental implant? Because of these possible side effects, avoiding dairy until you have completed your recovery stage is best. You may also ask your dentist for a green light on these foods just to be sure that you will have optimal healing.
Some of the dairy products you should watch out for include:
- Milk, especially cow milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
What about ice cream after dental implants?
Most dentists encourage eating ice cream to help alleviate soreness and pain immediately after dental implant treatment. However, it would be best if you were mindful of the temperature of your ice cream. Ideally, ice cream after dental implants should be moderately chilled or frozen. This prevents unwanted inflammation. Also, too frozen ice cream may press on the implant site to cause more discomfort.
Food to Avoid After Dental Implants
Aside from dairy, other foods to avoid with implant recovery process are:
- Spicy food – those heavy on peppers
- Chewy and sticky food – caramel, candies
- Hard food – chips, nuts, raw vegetables
- Hot food – hot soups, coffee and tea
What to eat after dental implants?
But do not fret because there are several delicious foods you can enjoy after getting your dental implants that promote healing!
- Fruits and vegetables: A balanced diet with fruits and steamed vegetables boosts your immune system to help with good implant recovery.
- Soft foods: Mashed potatoes and applesauce are just some soft foods that are packed with nutrients and are also gentle to your gums as they heal.
- Creamy soups and broth: Avoid hot soups as much as possible! In room or temperature, these are excellent food choices that also aid in healing.
- Eggs: You can do omelets or even boiled eggs. Eggs are a good source of protein which can speed up your recovery process.
- Smoothies: Cold food generally relieves any pain after dental implant surgery. It is also kind to the gums so they can heal naturally.
7 Tips For Quick Implant Recovery
For an easy, breezy recovery stage, you must follow your dentist’s post-op instructions. It will take months before your implant completely fuses with your bone. So, until such time that this phase is complete, take note of these recovery tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection and other complications
- Ice packs can help for the first few weeks to minimize swelling
- Avoid smoking
- Do not drink from a straw to keep the surgery site clean and undisturbed
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Stay hydrated
- Take the prescribed medications
Getting this done can help your implant treatment proceed smoothly. As soon as the osseointegration stage is complete, you should be well on your way to the next step: having a crown placed to finally complete your new smile.
Conclusion
The success of the dental implant treatment involves a trifecta of a flawless procedure, top-notch surgical skills by your dentist, and ideal healing and recovery. With these locked, you will surely enjoy the benefits of dental implants and a complete smile for a long time. With good care, your dental implants can even last forever.
To learn more about dental implants, contact us at Cosmedica Dental and let us help you discover a better, healthier, and more confident smile.
FAQs – Why No Dairy After Dental Implant
Your gums should be tender within the first few weeks of implant surgery. During this time, avoid hard foods, as this may cause pain. It may also help to continue avoiding hard foods until such time that you have completely recovered.
Protein is vital during the healing process. It helps to restore damaged tissues affected during surgery and build tissues for faster healing. Protein also fights infection that may cause your implant to fail. Eating a protein-rich diet supports your body’s immune system during recovery.