Best Foods to Eat After Getting a Dental Implant
Here’s a complete guide to what to eat (and what to avoid) after your dental implant procedure.
Here at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we know how exciting it is to take the next step toward a stronger, healthier smile with a dental implant. The healing process is just as important as the procedure itself, and the foods you eat play a major role in ensuring a smooth recovery.
Choosing soft, nutrient-rich foods can help reduce swelling, protect your implant, and support faster healing. Don’t worry, with our list of foods you won’t be stuck eating bland soups!
The First 24-48 Hours: Soft, Cooling Foods
Right after your dental implant procedure, your mouth will be sensitive, and some swelling is expected. During this initial phase, focus on cold, soft foods that won’t irritate the implant site.
Best Foods to Eat:
Smoothies (without a straw—suction can interfere with healing)
Applesauce
Mashed potatoes
Greek yogurt
Cold soups (like gazpacho)
Cottage cheese
Pudding or gelatin
Foods to Avoid:
Hot foods and drinks (like coffee or soup) that can increase swelling
Spicy foods that may cause irritation
Crunchy or hard foods (like chips and nuts) that can put pressure on the implant
Days 3-7: Soft, Nutritious Foods to Support Healing
As your mouth starts feeling better, it’s important to eat nutrient-dense foods that promote healing while still being gentle on the implant site.
Best Foods to Eat:
Scrambled eggs (a great source of protein)
Oatmeal
Mashed avocado
Blended soups (cooled before eating)
Soft-cooked vegetables
Hummus
Soft fish like salmon
Foods to Avoid:
Hard breads and crusty rolls
Rice and popcorn (small pieces can get stuck around the implant)
Sticky foods like peanut butter, which can be difficult to clean off the implant
Week 2 and Beyond: Gradually Returning to Normal Foods
By the second week, your implant site should be healing well, and you can start reintroducing more solid foods. However, it’s still best to avoid anything too hard or chewy to prevent putting excess pressure on the implant.
Best Foods to Eat:
Soft pasta
Ground turkey or shredded chicken
Cooked beans
Steamed vegetables
Soft fruits like bananas and mangoes
Tofu or other soft plant-based proteins
Foods to Avoid:
Hard or raw crunchy vegetables
Tough, chewy meats like steak
Nuts and seeds
Carbonated drinks, which can irritate the gums
Local Austin, Texas-Inspired Healing Meals
Looking for soft food options with a local Austin twist? Here are a few ideas to keep your meals delicious while staying implant-friendly:
Soft Breakfast Tacos – Scrambled eggs, mashed avocado, and refried beans on a soft tortilla
Smoothie Bowl – Blend banana, yogurt, and berries for a nutrient-rich meal (skip the crunchy granola)
Guacamole & Soft Tortillas – Mash avocado with lime juice for a gentle and flavorful snack
Flaky Grilled Salmon & Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Packed with protein and vitamins to promote healing
Long-Term Foods to Avoid for Implant Health
Even after your implant has fully healed, certain foods can put unnecessary stress on it. To keep your new tooth in top shape, try to avoid:
Chewing on ice – Can crack the implant crown over time
Hard candies and popcorn – Puts pressure on the implant and can cause chips or cracks
Sticky foods like caramel or taffy – May pull at the implant and affect stability
Enjoy a Smooth Recovery from your Dental Implant Procedure
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean and support healing
Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions for the best results
Keep up with your follow-up visits to ensure your implant is healing properly
With the right foods, you can heal comfortably after your dental implant procedure!
Recovering from a dental implant procedure doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious meals. By choosing the right foods, you’ll protect your implant, support faster healing, and be back to enjoying your favorite Austin eats in no time. Questions? Contact Goehring Dental today! Give us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below.
