Dental implants serve as a replacement for one or more missing teeth. The implants function and look like your natural teeth. Many people get dental implants after losing their teeth due to different reasons, but a common worry before undergoing this teeth replacement procedure is how it will affect the food they can eat.
This is a common concern because, besides nutrients gotten from what we eat, eating is a vital aspect of social engagement.
A dental implant is similar to the natural tooth and allows you to retain 90% of your chewing ability, unlike dentures, which allow retaining only 20% of chewing ability. This means that people who get a dental implant can eat most foods.
Immediately after getting implants
After your dental implant procedure, the dentist will inform you what you can eat and things to avoid. Chewing is often most difficult in the first 1 – 2 weeks, and the risk of complications is also higher.
It is best to stick with only soft foods immediately after getting implants. Opt for cooked and easy-to-chew foods. Ensure you also avoid sugary, alcoholic and acidic beverages, and do not use straws to prevent dry sockets.
Eating with implants in the long-term
While a dental implant is a good solution for missing teeth, they do not restore 100% of your chewing ability. This means you should carefully consider what you can eat and what foods to avoid.
- Can I eat nuts with implants?
After your initial recovery, you still need to be careful before snacking on nuts. Nuts are hard and may cause complications. While you can eat nuts with a dental implant, you should be careful with them. - Can I eat candy with implants?
Avoiding candy and other sugary snacks or food is a better option, but most people indulge in candy bars and chocolate. If you have a dental implant, consider avoiding hard or sticky candies, such as taffy and caramels. You can take M&Ms and other soft candies. - Can I eat apples with implants?
If you want to eat apples, cut them first. Avoid biting into whole apples if you have implants. Ensure you avoid apples, including other hard vegetables and hard fruits, in the first few weeks after getting implants and be cautious when you start eating them. Consider cooking or cutting vegetables and fruits into smaller pieces before eating them. - Can I eat popcorn with implants?
Popcorns usually cut the gums, get stuck in the teeth, and the kernels are hard. The hard can crack your dental implant. Consider avoiding popcorn if you have a dental implant. - Can I eat ice implants?
Ice is hard, and chewing on ice can damage your natural teeth and dental implants. If possible, do not chew on ice.
