All-on-4 dentures can be an economical way for many people to receive implant-supported dental restorations after prolonged jawbone atrophy. While your dentures should be remarkably comfortable after you get used to them and may be able to last for decades if they receive excellent care, you will need to stick to a soft diet while your gums and jaws are healing after the surgery. Here’s a quick guide to what is safe and comfortable to eat and drink after receiving all-on-4 dentures.
The First Two Weeks After Surgery: Liquids Are Best
It’s ideal to stick to a liquid diet for the first two weeks after receiving all-on-4 dentures to prevent stress to the healing gum tissues. Chewing may be difficult during this period, so it’s a great idea to stock up on some tasty liquid nutrition before your surgery. A few great examples include:
- Water
- Beverages that are not alcoholic, sugary, acidic, or heavily caffeinated
- Broth
- Soup, bisque, and chowder
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Pudding
- Meal replacement beverages
It’s best to avoid carbonated drinks until 48 hours after your surgery.
Week Three Through the Third Month: Soft Diet
By the third week after surgery, most of the soreness should be gone and you should be ready to chew soft food comfortably. However, your implants will still be fusing with your jawbone during this period, so it’s important to avoid stressing them by chewing tougher fare. It’s best to avoid foods that are chewy, sticky, or crunchy, so consider stocking up on items like:
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Shredded or ground meat
- Hot cereal
- Soft fruits like avocados, bananas, and melons
- Soft bread
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Chili
- Hummus
- Tofu
Month Four and Onward: Enjoy a Full Menu
Once your dental implants have fully fused with your jawbone, you should be all set to enjoy almost any food or beverage. However, it’s important to keep a few guidelines in mind. Be sure to always chew carefully since chomping too forcefully on a hard object such as a bone or a seed can injure the tissues supporting your implant. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can erode the bond between your implant and your jaw and set you up for early appliance failure. As always, be sure to practice excellent oral hygiene to prevent infections that can destroy your restorations.
Knowing how to eat after receiving All-on-4 dentures can help you achieve and maintain a magnificent smile that lasts for many years. Consulting with your dentist will allow you to understand the best ways to take care of your gorgeous new grin.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Fitzgerald earned her dental degree at the Creighton School of Dentistry and keeps her skills sharp and current by participating regularly in postgraduate coursework through the Kois Center and the American Orthodontic Society. Her office in Tucson offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as All-on-4 dentures. To schedule your consultation for All-on-4 restorations, contact her office on the web or dial (520) 338-2980.