What to Eat After Dental Surgery
Most oral health problems can be addressed through non-invasive or minimally invasive dental treatments. However, there are some dental complications that require surgical intervention. For instance, in many cases of tooth loss, we recommend dental implant treatment. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and provide the most advanced level of security for a wide range of dental restorations. Dental implant treatment requires a series of dental surgeries. Under the skilled care of Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky, dental surgery is a safe and effective solution for a range of dental complications. However, patients should be aware that the mouth will need time to recover after dental surgery, and the teeth and gums are likely to be sensitive during this period. Dr. Podilsky prepares patients for what to eat after dental surgery at his Edmonton, Alberta, dental practice so that they can recover from their procedure with minimal discomfort and with little risk of surgical complications.
The First 24 Hours of Recovery
Whether a patient has undergone dental implant surgery or has had teeth removed, the most difficult period of recovery is likely to be the first 24 hours after treatment. As long as a patient closely follows post-surgical care instructions, discomfort should be minimal. However, a patient’s diet during this initial stage of recovery will have an impact on their comfort level. The teeth and gums at the treatment site and directly adjacent will probably be very sore and sensitive. As a precaution, we recommend that patients start with a liquid diet on the first day of their dental surgery recovery, and then gradually try out more substantial foods. Following are some ideas of what a patient can consume in the first 24 hours of dental surgery recovery:
- Juice
- Broth
- Tea
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
The First Week of Recovery
After the first day of dental surgery recovery, most patients should be able to move beyond a liquid diet. However, patients should still choose foods with a softer consistency for the first week of dental surgery recovery. This will promote healing and comfort during this period. Following are some foods that are a good option for a patient recovering from dental surgery:
- Soups
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Pasta
- Fruit
- Smoothies
- Ice cream and milkshakes
- Fish
Foods to Avoid
As patients continue to recover from dental surgery, they can gradually introduce firmer foods, per their comfort level. However, there are a few foods that patients should avoid for at least the first week after dental surgery. Foods that may cause discomfort or complications following dental surgery include the following:
- Hard, sticky foods
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Spicy foods
- Foods that require a lot of chewing, such as steak
Contact Us
At the cosmetic, implant, and family dentistry practice of Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky, patients can find a comprehensive range of dental services that maintain the health and beauty of the smile, including dental surgery. If you have questions about dental surgery or the recovery period that will follow, contact us at your earliest convenience to set up an appointment with Dr. Podilsky. We look forward to hearing from you!
