Titanium dental implants can be life changing. These implants are incredibly strong and can help to restore your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy life. However, they need time to integrate and heal before they’re able to stand up to everyday use, including chewing and biting. This means your gums will feel tender for the first few days, and then you’ll need to modify your diet for a few months as you wait for them to fuse to your jawbone.
The good news, though, is you don’t have to restrict yourself to boring food after getting dental implants in Lansing, MI. There’s still plenty of choice while you wait for your implants to fuse. Below, you’ll see five delicious meals to enjoy after getting dental implants.
- Protein smoothies and shakes
Protein smoothies and shakes are a handy meal replacement. They’re especially ideal during the first few days after any dental procedure, whether implants or alternatives to dental implants, when chewing is off the table. These smoothies and shakes can pack in lots of nutrients and offer plenty of variety. The protein content gives your body the building blocks it needs to heal up smoothly. Here are some delicious protein smoothie ideas:
- Chocolate peanut butter: Chocolate protein powder, milk, banana, and peanut butter.
- Berry smoothie: Vanilla protein powder, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and berries.
- Greens: Vanilla protein powder, banana, spinach, and coconut water.
- Tropical: Vanilla protein powder, mango, pineapple, and orange juice.
- Strawberry banana: Greek yogurt, almond milk, strawberries, and bananas. A classic combination.
You may be able to add things like nuts and seeds to your smoothie since they’ll be blended up. No chewing required.
- Soups and stews
Soup is a tried-and-true recovery meal. Depending on the type of soup you have, it can also be easy to eat. And of course, there are plenty of soups to enjoy so you’ll never get bored. Here are some great options to mix into your meal planning:
- Chicken noodle
- Creamy tomato basil
- Butternut squash
- Loaded potato
- Blended veggie soup
- French onion (skip the bread and cheese, cook the onions enough to soften them)
- Italian wedding (make sure the meatballs are finely crumbled and softened enough)
Once you can chew more, you can slowly start to introduce slow-cooked stews to the mix. The slow cooking method helps to soften up the meats and veggies thoroughly so you can enjoy a rich and hearty meal without worrying about implant issues. Soups and broths can also help to hydrate you. Just be sure to cool your food before eating to avoid sensitivity and discomfort.
- Creamy scrambled eggs
Creamy scrambled eggs have protein, healthy fats, and all sorts of vitamins and minerals. They’re easy to prepare yet easy on the gums. It’s the perfect post-implant breakfast. The key to making them soft and creamy is to cook low and slow with butter. Consider adding a bit of milk or cream for extra creaminess.
Want some extra flavor? Add some cheese, avocado, or some steamed or sautéed leafy greens (like spinach) for more nutrients and more variety. Skip the toast for now since it’s crunchy. Don’t worry, though, you’ll be able to enjoy toast again soon enough. In the meantime, creamy scrambled eggs are filling and satisfying on their own.
- Oatmeal
Another good breakfast option is a warm bowl of oatmeal. It’s soft, doesn’t require much chewing, and has plenty of fiber to help with digestion. No need to add nuts or granola for now. It’s easy to make your bowl of oatmeal taste great without crunchy toppings. Here are some different ways you can enjoy your oatmeal:
- Mix in a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
- Add mashed bananas for flavor and more nutrients.
- Stir in some applesauce.
- Sprinkle some cinnamon for a slight kick without irritation.
You can also add some flavored protein powder, such as vanilla protein powder. This will add more flavor and an extra protein boost. Oatmeal also makes a great “make-ahead” meal. Prep a batch ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
- Soft fish
Soft fish, like baked salmon or tilapia, lets you enjoy some implant-friendly proteins while healing. They flake and fall apart so minimal chewing is required. All fish are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. And fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may have properties that could help to reduce inflammation. All of which could be beneficial after your dental procedure.
Stick to baked, grilled, or pan-seared options and don’t season too heavily. Add light herbs and a bit of lemon or lime juice for flavor. For a more complete meal, whip up some mashed potatoes and a salad of soft, leafy greens.
The bottom line
Dental implant recovery doesn’t mean you have to eat boring, unappealing foods. There are plenty of meal options that are easy on the gums and give your body what it needs to heal. Whether it’s a delicious smoothie, warm soup or stew, plate of creamy scrambled eggs, or tender flaky fish, you can enjoy variety in your diet while your gums recover. As your gums start to heal, you can slowly introduce other foods back into your diet once again. In the meantime, the above meals will keep you satisfied and help you heal up well.