Many 3 on 6™ patients have their dental implants immediately loaded after surgery. This means teeth are placed on the implants on the day of surgery, instead of waiting for the implants to heal first.
Immediately loading the implants with teeth provides long-term benefits for the healing of the implants. This method can also provide aesthetic benefits such as allowing the gum line to heal to the teeth, creating a natural looking smile.
Since the implants aren’t fully healed into the bone during the first few months after surgery, it is important that only soft foods are eaten during this time to allow the implants to osseointegrate into the bone. It’s also important to have a healthy diet with enough protein to facilitate healing.
Generally speaking, soft foods are foods that could be consumed without chewing. If it’s a food that would break apart by pushing it against the roof of your mouth with your tongue, then it’s probably soft enough.
Here are a few of the favorite soft foods recommended by our patients:
Smoothies and shakes
Soups
Mashed potatoes
Oatmeal or other warm cereals
Soft ripe fruit like a banana or peach (no skin)
Steamed vegetables
Pasta
Applesauce
Gelatin
Soft bread without whole grains, seeds or nuts
The following are some soft foods that offer high protein:
Eggs
Avocado
Yogurt or Kefir
Smooth peanut butter, or other nut butters
Egg salad
Tuna or salmon
Cottage cheese and other soft cheeses
Refried beans or other bean soups
Hummus
If you have any questions about your diet after surgery, contact your physician’s office. You can also visit our 3 on 6™ Community on facebook and get food advice from patients who have already been through this. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3on6community/