You might be a good candidate for dental implants if you’re looking for a reliable solution for tooth loss. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, this treatment involves surgically placing a titanium rod into your jawbone for added security.
Although implants are typically sturdier than the alternatives, they’re not completely impervious to harm. There are some foods you should avoid that might contribute to their failure if you’re not careful. Continue reading to learn 3 things to steer clear from to safeguard your recently restored grin!
Option #1: Hot and Spicy Foods
You’re likely to experience some swelling and inflammation after your dental implants are placed until your mouth has enough time to fully mend. Your dentist might recommend that you try not to consume anything that’s too hot or spicy, because you could irritate your already tender gum tissues. It’s better to keep your seasonings to a minimum until your connective tissues repair themselves and are less likely to react.
Not only that, but it’s essential that your mouth forms a blood clot around the implant site to heal, and if you eat or drink something too hot, you could dislodge it. This can unfortunately elongate your recovery period because you’ll need additional time and rest to form a new one.
Option #2: Hard or Crunchy Snacks
If you’re a fan of snacking on popcorn, nuts, seeds, or any other crisply textured ingredients, you might need to avoid them until after your new teeth have mended completely. These nibbles are infamous leaving kernels or other debris behind that can easily become lodged in your gums and attract unhealthy bacteria. This increases the likelihood of developing periodontal problems, like peri-implantitis, the number one leading cause of implant failure.
It’s better to enjoy softer foods that require less biting and chewing, like yogurt, pudding, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or applesauce.
Option #3: Sticky or Chewy Sweets
You might also inadvertently damage your dental implants if you indulge in too many sticky candies or other chewy sweets before you’ve healed fully. Taffy, caramel, and hard candies can chip, push, or yank your restoration. Not only can this trigger aches and inflammation, but it can potentially loosen or dislodge the titanium rod if it hasn’t fused with your jawbone.
Thankfully, dental implants are so resilient that you’ll be able to enjoy a wide variety of wholesome foods to support your oral and overall health once they’ve healed successfully.
About the Practice
At Indy Dental Group, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists eager to help patients build and maintain their healthiest and most beautiful smiles. They provide a comprehensive menu of services so that you and your family receive the same top-quality care. Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning or a more advanced procedure, like getting dental implants, they are eager to help! They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the implant process in the office, including oral surgery, to streamline your experience. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or contact one of their conveniently located offices near you!