“What foods to avoid after dental implants?”

After dental implant surgery, it's essential to avoid certain foods to protect the implant site and promote smooth healing. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, provides clear dietary guidelines to help you recover comfortably and avoid complications. Here’s a list of foods to avoid and tips for a healing-friendly diet:

Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
Hard Foods
Hard foods can put pressure on the implant site and risk disrupting the healing tissue. Avoid foods such as:

Nuts
Raw vegetables (like carrots and celery)
Hard candies
Crusty bread or hard crackers
Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods can break into small pieces that can get lodged around the implant area, potentially irritating the gums and increasing infection risk. Avoid:

Chips
Popcorn
Pretzels
Granola
Chewy or Sticky Foods
Chewy and sticky foods can put strain on the implant site and potentially dislodge blood clots, which are essential for healing. Avoid foods such as:

Caramel
Taffy
Gum
Chewy meats (like steak)
Spicy and Acidic Foods
Spicy foods can irritate the surgical site, and acidic foods can cause stinging or discomfort. Avoid:

Citrus fruits and juices (like oranges and lemons)
Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces
Spicy sauces or hot peppers
Hot Foods and Beverages
Hot temperatures can increase blood flow to the implant site, potentially causing bleeding and discomfort. Stick to lukewarm or cool foods and drinks. Avoid:

Hot coffee or tea
Hot soup
Hot dishes like pasta or stews
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and may interact with prescribed medications. Avoid alcohol for at least a few days after surgery, or as advised by Dr. Egan.

Recommended Foods for the Initial Healing Phase
For the first few days, focus on soft, easy-to-eat foods that won’t disturb the implant site. Here are some ideal options:

Smoothies (without using a straw to avoid pressure on the implant)
Mashed potatoes
Applesauce
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Scrambled eggs
Broth-based soups (cooled to a warm temperature)
Tips for a Comfortable Recovery
Stick to Soft Foods: For at least the first week, choose foods that require minimal chewing to prevent pressure on the implant.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support healing, but avoid using a straw, as the suction can disturb the blood clot at the implant site.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Follow Dr. Egan’s instructions for gentle cleaning around the implant site to prevent infection.
Following these dietary guidelines will help protect your dental implants during the critical healing period. Dr. Jeremy Egan and the team at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma are here to support your recovery every step of the way, ensuring a successful outcome for your new implants.

you should eat cool, soft food on the opposite side of the mouth where implants are placed. avoid smoking, alcohol and drinking through any straw to minimize bleeding.

Don't bite anything on the new implant that you can hear when you chew it.

did you just got the implant placed?

The process of placing a dental implant is very patient and location specific. You must follow the directions of your dental surgeon. But, once its healed and properly assembled you should able to eat most foods without issues! Hope this helps Dr P