So, you’ve just had dental implant surgery, or you’re planning to, and are now wondering, “What can I actually eat?” That’s a great question, and one that comes up all of the time. The good news is, you won’t be on a soft food diet forever, but right after surgery, you’ll want to stick to foods that are soft, easy to chew, and gentle on the surgical area.

Let’s walk through what to expect and how to keep your meals both safe and satisfying during recovery.

Right After Implant Surgery: The First 24 to 48 Hours

In the first day or two after your procedure, your mouth is going to be a little tender, and that’s totally normal. You’ll likely be numb for a few hours after surgery, so avoid eating anything until the numbness wears off (we don’t want you to accidentally bite your tongue or cheek).

Once you’re ready to eat, stick to cool, soft foods. Think:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Smoothies (with a spoon and not a straw!)
• Pudding or custard
• Blended soups (as long as they’re not hot)

Avoid anything spicy, acidic, crunchy, or hot during this early period. Heat can increase swelling, and spicy or acidic foods may irritate the surgical site.

The First Week after Implant Placement: Soft Foods are Your Best Friend

As the swelling and tenderness begin to ease, you can slowly expand your menu, but stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Some great options include:

• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal or cream of wheat
• Soft pasta (mac and cheese is always a winner)
• Cooked vegetables
• Soft-cooked rice or risotto
• Ground turkey or soft flaky fish (like baked salmon or cod)

The goal is to avoid putting pressure on the implant site while it’s healing. Even if you’re feeling better, it’s important not to rush into tougher foods too quickly.

What to Avoid During Healing

Here’s a quick list of foods to skip during your dental implant recovery:

• Anything crunchy (chips, nuts, popcorn)
• Tough meats (like steak or jerky)
• Hard breads or crusty rolls
• Sticky or chewy foods (gum, caramel, chewy candy)
• Hot beverages during the first couple days
• Alcohol (especially while taking medication)

And definitely avoid drinking through a straw, at least for the first few days. The suction can dislodge the blood clot or irritate the healing site.

Keep It Nourishing

Even though your food options are limited at first, try to keep your meals balanced. You’ll need nutrients to heal, especially protein, vitamins C and D and plenty of liquids to remain hydrated.

Eat Smart, Heal Fast

After dental implant surgery, what you eat plays a big role in how well and how quickly you heal. Stick with soft, nutritious foods, avoid the hard stuff, and take it one step at a time.

If you have questions about your recovery or want expert advice tailored to your specific situation, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mike at the Cleveland Implant Institute. He’ll guide you through the process and make sure your implant journey goes as smoothly and deliciously as possible!