When you’re missing teeth, or have replaced them with traditional, temporary restorations like dentures and dental bridges, it can be difficult to enjoy all the foods you once loved. That’s because to properly chew certain items, you need a strong, healthy, complete bite. Unfortunately, while some prosthetics may look and feel natural, they still aren’t strong enough to handle all the summer foods you may have indulged in over the years. Here’s a closer look at how dental implants can help restore your smile so you can once again savor all the seasonal offerings you’ve been craving!
The Dental Implant Difference
Unlike temporary restorations such as dental bridges and dentures, dental implants work differently. Because they are permanently fused with your jaw, they completely restore the biteforce you once had with your real teeth. This means that you can once again enjoy things like corn on the cob, tough proteins like steak, and even hard, crunchy foods like chips and nuts!
Which Foods Can I Enjoy After Dental Implant Surgery
Although you eventually will be able to enjoy a full diet with dental implants, if you’ve just had surgery, it’s important to take it slowly. Immediately following your procedure, be sure to eat a soft diet. Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions including a shopping list of approved foods such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, applesauce and yogurt. Then, as your mouth heals, you can gradually introduce harder foods that may be more difficult to chew initially.
Menu Options After Osseointegration
Once your dental implants have completed the osseointegration process (where they permanently fuse with your jawbone) the sky’s the limit when it comes to your diet. Because your biteforce should be either as good as or even better than it was before tooth loss, you’re free to eat whatever you’d like, but your dentist recommends limiting your consumption of anything too hard or sticky, like certain hard candies, caramels, or taffy, as these could damage your restorations.
Remember, summer foods have a special place in everyone’s heart, but tooth loss can make enjoying them impossible. The good news is that with durable, lifelike dental implants, you can once again eat all the seasonal favorites you used to love! To learn more about this treatment and to see if you qualify, schedule a consultation with your dentist today and start savoring all that summertime has to offer!
About Dr. Johnson
Dr. Phillip Johnson earned his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University and his dental degree at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. Following graduation, he has continued his pursuit of knowledge by taking courses at the prestigious Dawson Academy, as well as advanced training for both oral sedation and dental implants. If you’re ready to restore your smile and start living your best life again, dental implants could be the solution. To schedule your consultation at the Dental Center of Midlothian, visit our website or call us today at 972-723-3567.