In the first days after an implant, what you eat strongly affects how quickly the wound heals. It helps to know which foods suit you and which to avoid.
- After an implant, wait until numbness has gone, then eat soft, lukewarm or cool food.
- Avoid hard, chewy, very hot or spicy food, alcohol and smoking in the first days.
- Brush gently and do not rinse hard or touch the surgical site.
- Growing pain, heavy swelling, bleeding that will not stop or fever are reasons to contact the dentist.
The first hours after surgery
Right after implant surgery you may still have numb lips, tongue or gum. Wait until the numbness has gone before eating so that you do not bite your cheek, lip or tongue. Please also follow your dentist's instructions about biting on gauze and keeping the wound undisturbed.
What can you eat in the first days?
- Soft, liquid or easy to swallow food such as porridge, soup, soft oatmeal, yoghurt, eggs and mashed potato.
- Food that is lukewarm or cool, not hot.
- Enough protein and well cooked vegetables so your body has the nutrients it needs for healing.
- Chew on the side away from the implant for as long as your dentist advises.
What should you avoid?
- Hard, crunchy or chewy food such as nuts, bones, ice and tough meat.
- Very hot, very spicy food and alcohol, because they can slow healing.
- Smoking, which slows healing and raises the chance of problems and failure.
- Using a straw in the first days if your dentist asks you to avoid it.
Caring for the implant area
- Keep brushing gently, avoiding hard contact with the surgical site.
- Rinse gently as instructed, without strong swishing or spitting.
- Do not touch the area with your fingers or tongue.
When should you contact the dentist?
If pain grows rather than eases, swelling is heavy, bleeding does not stop or you have a fever, please make contact early. You can also read our articles on whether an implant hurts, on the steps of an implant and how long it takes, and on peri-implantitis. You are welcome to walk in during opening hours at Nha Khoa Kỳ Hòa, 266A - 268, 3 Tháng 2 Street, Hòa Hưng Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter time slots.
Frequently asked questions
When can I eat hard food after an implant?
It depends on your case and stage of treatment. Please ask your dentist when it is safe to return to normal chewing.
Can I drink cold water after an implant?
Usually yes, if it is not extremely cold. Follow your dentist's instructions in the first days.
Is smoking a problem after an implant?
Yes. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of infection and failure, so it is best to cut down or stop during treatment.