Dental implants are man-made titanium devices that replace lost tooth structures by embedding a screw-like structure in bone and supporting an artificial tooth-like structure on top, which replicates the appearance and functions of natural teeth.
When compared to dentures and bridges, dental implants are the most recommended option for restoring missing teeth. They do not require removal for cleaning, as do dentures, and they preserve the bone in which they are put.
Dental Implant surgery
To place a dental implant, surgery is performed after drilling a hole in the bone and inserting the implant screw into that hole. The bone grows around the screw by bone regenerative process and usually takes months.
You will not feel any pain throughout the treatment because it is performed under anaesthesia.
Types of Dental Implants
There are roughly four types of dental implants given
1. Single Tooth Implant
It is given when only one tooth needs to be replaced. It can be provided to replace a missing tooth or to replace a tooth that has been advised to be extracted. The implant screws are normally put on the same day as the extraction in the case of the later choice.
2. Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges may be utilised to replace missing teeth if you have several.
Implant-supported bridges are comparable to conventional bridges in that implants, rather than natural teeth, serve as the primary supporting framework for the bridge.
3. Implant supported removable and fixed dentures
When all of the teeth are gone, implants are placed in the jaw to support the removable overdenture in the upper or lower jaw. The denture supported by the implants can be readily removed for cleaning. The same implants can be used to support a fixed denture as well.
What to Eat Before Dental Implant Surgery?
Before your implant operation, you are free to eat anything. There are no restrictions on what to eat but avoid eating anything immediately before surgery. Nonetheless, it is not recommended to consume alcohol or use cigarettes.
If you are diabetic or hypertensive, remember to take your medication as usual and avoid eating or drinking anything that may affect your blood sugar or blood pressure. Their levels must be under control before surgery.
Your dentist may advise you to fast before surgery based on your treatment plan. You should not perform it on your own unless your dentist recommends it.
What to expect after dental implant surgery?
You will feel discomfort, soreness and swelling in the area after the surgery. You will experience some bleeding from the site, which will result in a metallic taste in your mouth. Your dentist will give you pain relievers and antibiotics. It is recommended that you eat only soft meals, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and avoid hot foods and drinks.
What to Eat after Dental Implant Surgery?
Since you won’t be able to eat hard meals, it’s best to stick to soft foods and liquid diets. You will be numb for a few hours following the surgery, so try not to bite your tongue in an attempt to eat something, and drink just liquids until your anaesthesia wears off.
For the first 24 hours
· try to take only liquids
· do not use a straw to consume any drink
· Avoid drinking hot drinks; if you must drink coffee or tea, cool it first.
· Try to eat plain ice creams without nuts or additives.
It is recommended that you only consume liquids for the first few days.
· You must ensure that your body receives all of its nutrition from liquid sources. Therefore prepare broth, vegetable and fruit purees, soups, juice drinks, milkshakes, liquid supplements, and protein shakes for that.
· Besides it, you can take butter, cream, pudding, custard, Applesauce, porridge, yoghurt, simple ice cream Ice pops, honey, and Coffee or tea
Your bone will recover over the following 3 months, and you will be instructed to eat soft foods. Also, avoid taking foods that are hard, crunchy, or chewy.
· For dairy: take milk, curd, cheese, and other dairy products.
· For grains: cereals, pasta and noodles, white rice, bread, and pancakes are all good sources of grains.
· For protein: protein drinks, boiled and mashed eggs, scrambled eggs, boiled beans, white meat, mashed red meat, and peanut butter spread are all good sources of protein.
· For carbs: you can have mashed potato, macaroni and cheese, or sauteed vegetables for carbs.
Restore your smile with dental implants
If you obtain dental implants from us, we will give you a detailed guide to follow. The items mentioned above can serve as a rough guideline for what’s safe to eat following dental implant surgery, however, if you’ve got any questions, please contact us. Here’s to a speedy recovery after surgery!