My Fixed Bridge Makes My Life Easier

When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.

Eating And Drinking After Dental Implant Surgery

Dentist Blog

Dental implants ultimately result in a natural-looking prosthetic tooth replacement, complete with an artificial root structure. Once the implant has fully healed and been fitted with a permanent prosthetic crown, it's business as usual as far as eating and drinking are concerned. However, some restrictions will apply in the days after your implant surgery. These restrictions are not only for your comfort but also help to ensure the success of the procedure.

Before Your Surgery

Since your ability to chew food will be temporarily disrupted by your dental implant surgery, you might want to have one last meal before the procedure. This is possible, but it's important that you get the timing right. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you might not be permitted to eat or drink anything for up to eight hours before your surgery. Confirm these restrictions with your dentist.

Stay Hydrated

Immediately after your implant surgery, you might not feel like eating anything. It's important to stay hydrated, but it's wise to stick to water. Your dentist may advise you not to rinse your mouth until the day after your surgery, so avoid soda and sugary drinks, as you will not be able to clean your other teeth. Even if you're experiencing discomfort, don't attempt to drink with a straw in an effort to bypass the site of the implant. The suction created by the straw can interfere with clotting, which is part of the healing process.

Soft Food

Your appetite will quickly return (if it disappeared at all). In the days after your implant surgery, you should stick to soft food. Mashed and puréed foods are ideal. You will also be able to clean your teeth, so consuming sugar is less of a concern (although as always, sugary foods and drinks should be kept to a minimum). Avoid spicy or acidic foods and drinks, as these will almost certainly aggravate the implant site.

Later Stages

As the site of the implant heals, you might feel more confident in eating foods that actually require some chewing. You should still be cautious and consume food that doesn't need a great deal of chewing in order to be safely swallowed, so steak will be off the menu for a while. Be sure to only chew on the unaffected side of your mouth, so that the site of the implant isn't inadvertently exposed to bite pressure.

Your dentist will be able to give you more precise dietary instructions, and some planning can be necessary so that you can still consume your required amount of calories and protein without compromising the implant site.

To learn more about dental implants, talk to your dentist.

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15 April 2021