Many patients in need of dental implants would like to know, if there is a kind of dental implant that enables them to eat right after the surgery. It’s understandable that patients eager to restore their masticatory function as soon as possible. Indeed, eating right after an implant surgery is a desirable result that we always pursue.

    By and large, dental implant can be categorized into two types — delayed implant and immediate implant. The difference between them is whether or not there is a healing period after extraction and before placing a dental implant.

    Delayed implant means that you need to wait for a few months for the extraction wound to heal before conducting the implant surgery. This way has gained an extensive application in clinical practices. As for those who have inadequate alveolar bone, they will also need to seek a procedure of bone grafting prior to the surgery.

    While immediate implant refers to placing an artificial root into alveolar bone right after the extraction, followed by wearing a temporary crown. Not everyone is an eligible candidate for immediate implant surgery. Generally speaking, those whose alveolar bone are in a good condition are allowed to seek the procedure. Besides, only those experienced and skillful implant dentists are capable of conducting such procedure.

    So does it mean that eating is allowed right after an implant surgery?

    As we all know, most patients choose to seek implant treatment in a bid to enhance the masticatory performance of their teeth. Actually a temporary crown will be worn after placing an implant post into alveolar bone. Normally it means that you are allowed to eat after the surgery. What you eat, however, matters a lot. It’s suggested to eat soft and fluid foods at the beginning. Do not use the implant tooth to chew on hard foods. You’d better provided your teeth with a few months as a transitional period before returning to your normal diet.  Relevant article: How long to finish an implant procedure?

    Therefore, it’s fine to eat after an implant surgery. But you have to follow your dentist’s instructions and take good care of the restored tooth after the surgery. Within the first few months, you’d better change your dietary habit and eat soft foods. It will be not only conducive to your postoperative recovery, but also good for the stability and long-term usage of the implant tooth.

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