All-On-4 dental implant surgery has become highly popular for patients looking to improve their smile and overall dental health.
This procedure has a very high (over 90%) success rate compared to other methods and is the closest option to a permanent solution.
As with almost every dental procedure, aftercare plays an essential role in the results. One of the most important items to consider is diet: what you eat will have a great impact on the quality of the recovery and how quickly the implant wound will heal.
Eating or drinking the wrong things can lead to several difficulties after the procedure. Here’s some useful information to help speed the recovery process and not eat or drink things that would be detrimental to it.
1-2 Weeks Post-Surgery
During the first weeks after surgery, you will need to follow a liquid and soft foods diet. Right after the procedure, your mouth, jaw, and throat will most likely be sore, so eating can be very difficult and unpleasant.
- You can drink liquids after the surgery but should avoid warm beverages as they can burn the numb tissues in your mouth.
- Staying hydrated is essential following the surgery.
- Liquids rich in nutrients will help speed up the healing.
- You should avoid straws as the sucking motion can loosen blood clots and cause more bleeding.
Here are some examples of what you can drink and eat during 1-2 weeks post-surgery:
- Water (mandatory)
- Coconut water
- Fruit juices
- Milk
- Gelatin
- Milkshakes
- Powdered egg whites
- Sugar, syrup, or honey
- Yogurt drinks
- Pudding
- Instant breakfast mixes (e.g., instant oatmeal)
- Protein shakes
- Smoothies
- Sodas
- Ice cream
- Frozen yogurt
2 Weeks to 3 Months Post-Surgery
By the third-week post-surgery, most of the soreness should have receded so you can go from a liquid diet to a soft food diet.
By this time, the ‘’osseointegration’’ process is happening, meaning the jaw is forming a biological bond with the implant screws.
As the jaw is still healing, you still need to watch out for what you eat.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that can disrupt recovery.
Here are some examples of food you can eat during this time:
- Soft Bread
- Pasta
- Oatmeal
- Vegetables
- Mashed Fruits or Soft fruits that do not contain a lot of seeds like bananas
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Hummus
- Turkey, chicken, fish
Make sure to note any pain or sensation that occurred during and after eating or drinking.
If anything causes pain or discomfort to your jaw, avoid it until the healing process is complete.
If you are wondering if All-on-4 is right for you, or have questions about this or other procedures, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our professionals. Our team of specialty dental experts is unparalleled in Fort Collins and in the Northern Colorado area.
At Northern Colorado Dental Specialty and Dental Implant Center, we are dedicated to getting your care right the first time so you can confidently enjoy your life.
Call +1 970-825-0000, or visit us at 1221 E Elizabeth St Unit 4, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
