After years of dealing with weak dentures, you’re thrilled to have All-on-4 implants. You can’t wait to dig into a juicy, chewy steak.
But your implant dentist says you’ll have to wait a little bit longer.
You wouldn’t run a marathon the day after having surgery. You have to heal in stages and build back up your stamina. Recovering from All-on-4 surgery is similar in that you may have your teeth on the same day as your surgery, but they’re not ready to handle a steak dinner instantly. Keep reading for a detailed guide about what you can and cannot eat or drink right after All-on-4 surgery, up to 2 weeks after surgery, and up to 3 months afterward.
Immediately After All-on-4 Surgery
Although it will gradually get better, you will likely feel pain and soreness following this procedure. It’s minor surgery after all! In fact, you may find it challenging to open your mouth very wide. However, you must stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear fluids at first. This will help your body heal as efficiently as possible. As the anesthesia wears off, you can try to have heavier liquids as well when you feel up to it. Make sure you have small amounts, but have them frequently throughout the day to keep your body properly hydrated.
You are free to start drinking right away, but you should refrain from drinking anything hot or spicy for several days following the surgery. Also, do not use a straw. The sucking motion can cause critical blood clots to dislodge, potentially leading to an infection or longer healing.
All Fluids for 2 Weeks After All-on-4 Surgery
It may seem difficult at first to stick to a diet of just fluids for up to 2 weeks after your procedure, but drinking takes pressure off your still unstable teeth. As a result, your gums and jawbone can heal undisturbed.
During this time, there are plenty of permissible fluids, such as:
- Water
- Broth
- Coffee and creamer
- Milk
- Fruit juices
- Coconut water
- Jell-O
- Pudding
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Pureed vegetable soup or pureed fruit smoothies
Soft Foods for 3 Months After All-on-4 Surgery
Once you reach the 2-week mark after your All-on-4 surgery, you are allowed to branch out beyond fluids. Although you should stay away from hard, chewy, or crunchy foods still, you may add soft foods back into your diet. These include the following:
- Oatmeal
- Eggs
- Soft cheese
- Mashed fruits or vegetables (e.g., applesauce, mashed potatoes)
- Cooked pasta
- Yogurt
- Soft bread
- Bananas
- Canned food without skins or seeds
These foods should be very easy to chew. Try to have a balance diet filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein without straying from soft foods.
In the end, time passes, and you will get to a point where your All-on-4 teeth are ready to be used on basically whatever food you want. With a little patience and smart diet choices after the surgery, you can enjoy a lifetime of delicious food!
About the Author
Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Dr. TJ Sprague has continued to prioritize advanced training. In fact, he has focused on root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and implant placement and restoration. If you have questions about dietary guidelines following getting dental implants, you should contact Dr. Sprague at Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow either online or by calling 918-250-9528.