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One of the biggest advantages of All-on-4 implant treatment is quick results. Not only can you receive a full denture supported by only four implants – but you can often have your prosthetic placed on the same day as your implants. However, you will still need to plan ahead for your All-on-4 recovery. Stocking up on the right foods can help ease your path back to full strength. Here’s everything you need to know about eating and drinking after All-on-4 surgery.
Stage 1: 1-2 Weeks Post-Surgery
Liquid Diet
Stick to a liquid diet during the initial recovery period. You can begin drinking cool liquids the same day that you get your dental implants placed. Avoid hot or spicy beverages for the first three or four days post-surgery and do not use a straw at all for the first few weeks. The suction from a straw can loosen blood clots that form near the surgery site and delay healing.
Safe Foods and Drinks
Drinking fluids that are packed with nutrition can help prevent infection and speed up your recovery. Here are just some of the many foods and drinks you can consume:
- Water and milk
- Tea and coffee
- Yogurt drinks
- Fruit juices
- Protein shakes
- Smoothies
- Broth (bouillon — beef, chicken, vegetable)
- Soups, especially cream-based soups
- Meal replacement shakes (e.g., Ensure, Boost, Special K)
- Gelatin (e.g., Jell-O) and pudding
- Ice cream and frozen yogurt
Stage 2: 2 Weeks to 3 Months Post-Surgery
Soft Food Diet
After about two weeks, you can begin eating soft foods again. Hooray! Avoid munching on hard, chewy, or crunchy foods during this period. Doing so can negatively affect the integration of your dental implants with the surrounding jawbone, an important process known as “osseointegration”.
Fruits and Vegetables You Can Eat
You can chow down on any fruits and vegetables that require minimal chewing. This includes:
- Soft fruits like bananas and watermelon
- Anything canned and without skin or seeds
- Anything baked or cooked to a soft consistency
- Mashed foods like avocado, apple sauce, and cauliflower
Carbohydrates You Can Eat
Enjoy a stack of pancakes for breakfast or a bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat. For lunch and dinner, it is safe to include soft breads, cooked pasta, quinoa, and mashed potatoes on your plate.
Protein You Can Eat
Protein helps rebuild and repair tissues affected by All-on-4 surgery and helps the body fight infection. During this stage of recovery, you can eat:
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Hummus
- Pureed stews
- Sloppy Joe
- Chili
Plan Ahead
Now that you know what foods are safe to eat during each stage of All-on-4 recovery, it’s time to plan a trip to the grocery store! Be sure to stock up on the right items before your oral surgery so you can focus on resting after your dental implants are placed.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Bruce McDonald has been taking care of the Vero Beach community for more than 30 years. A fellow in the prestigious International College of Dentists, he regularly helps restore patients’ smiles with All-on-4 dental implants. To learn more about what foods to eat after All-on-4 surgery, visit the Ocean Oaks Dental Group website or call 772-569-4424.