Overview
After All-On-4 Plus® surgery the implants and surrounding tissues need time to heal. During this period, food choices can affect comfort, healing and the pressure placed on the implants.
Most patients are advised to follow a modified soft-food diet while the implants integrate with the jawbone. This helps protect the areas that had undergone surgery and reduces unnecessary strain on the implants and new teeth. Many patients are advised to continue this approach during the early healing period while integration is taking place.
In the first few days after surgery, liquid or very soft foods are often easier to manage and recommended. These may include soups, broths, smoothies, yoghurt, protein drinks and meal replacement shakes. Very hot foods and drinks may need to be avoided during the early recovery period, depending on your clinician’s instructions.
As healing progresses, patients are usually guided towards soft foods that require minimal chewing. Examples may include mashed vegetables, scrambled eggs, soft pasta, soft fish, avocado, hummus and well-cooked foods that are easy to chew. The usual guide is if you can cut it with a fork- it is usually okay to eat.
Hard, crunchy, sticky, tough or chewy foods should be avoided during the healing period ( 4 months), as they can place extra pressure on the implants. Drinking through straws may also be discouraged, as suction can disturb healing areas.
Every recovery is different. Your All-On-4 Plus® clinician will provide dietary instructions based on your procedure, healing progress and individual needs.
Why is a soft-food diet important after surgery?
A soft-food diet helps reduce pressure on the implants and new teeth while the implants integrate within the jawbone.
Liquid or soft foods are commonly recommended during early recovery. These may include soups, broths, smoothies, yoghurt, protein drinks, mashed vegetables, scrambled eggs, soft pasta and soft fish. Anything you can cut with a FORK is generally okay to eat.
Patients are generally advised to avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, tough or chewy foods during healing, as these can place extra pressure on the implants and new teeth. This includes, nuts, chocolate, pork crackling, crusty bread, chips, toast, tough meats, apples, caramel.
Drinking through a straw may be discouraged after surgery because the suction can disturb healing areas. Follow the specific advice provided by your clinician.
Very hot foods and drinks may need to be avoided during the early recovery period. Your clinician will advise when they can be safely reintroduced. This is due to the fact that they can increase swelling and bleeding.
Patient's should follow a soft-food diet for the entire initial healing phase which is 4 months from your surgery date. This is because it takes 4 months for the implants to full integrate into the jawbone ( a process known as osseointegration). Once you get the all clear at your 4 month check-up appointment, then you can start to eat solid foods again.
Protein, vitamins and minerals support the body’s healing processes after surgery.
Yes. Smoking may slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure following implant surgery. If you are a regular smoker your clinician will provide guidance about smoking before and after surgery.
You can return to a normal diet usually 4 months after your surgery date, when the initial phase of healing has occured (osseointegration).