Guidance on Eating, Drinking, and Smoking After Implant Placement

Hello.

This is E-Pyeonhansesang Dental Clinic.

Today, we’d like to talk about a topic many people who are preparing for implant treatment or have already received it are curious about: eating, drinking alcohol, and smoking after implant placement.

"Can I eat whatever I want now?"

"When can I start drinking alcohol?"

"Is it okay to smoke right away?"

Many people likely have questions about precautions for daily life after the procedure. However, while those points are important, the most important thing is whether the implant can be used for a long time without side effects.

To use it for a long time without side effects, it is best to follow the precautions we’ll explain today. They are not difficult, and with just a little care, you can easily put them into practice. We hope you will keep them in mind and follow them well to maintain a healthy mouth.

Eating after implant placement,

When eating after implant placement, it is a good idea to follow a few precautions. This is because, after the gums are incised, the fixture is placed directly into the alveolar bone, so time is needed for healing.

So, what kinds of foods are helpful?

1️⃣ Soft foods

Foods such as tofu and porridge are good choices after implant placement. These foods can be eaten even if chewing is not easy. In addition, if inflammation occurs after implant placement, soft foods may help relieve inflammation and swelling, so we recommend mainly eating foods like these.

2️⃣ Foods rich in protein

Our body needs a lot of protein during the healing process. The process of placing an artificial fixture in the gums can place a significant strain on the body, so it is a good idea to consume protein that helps recovery.

It is best to eat foods with a soft texture that are rich in protein, such as scrambled eggs and tender boiled meat.

3️⃣ Liquid foods

During the recovery period, it is best to have meals after implant placement centered on foods that do not require much force when chewing. This is especially important right after placement.

We recommend meals that mainly consist of soups or broths, where there are not large temperature changes and eating is comfortable without placing significant stress on the gums and implant. After implant placement, rather than eating a wide variety of foods, we recommend choosing foods that are less irritating to the teeth. Please avoid hard or tough foods, as well as hot or cold foods with large temperature differences, for the time being.

Drinking alcohol after implant placement,

After implant placement, are you wondering whether it’s okay to have a drink because of a social gathering? In most cases, we recommend abstaining from alcohol.

This is because when you drink alcohol, the alcohol component promotes blood circulation, and during the process when bleeding should stop, bleeding may continue instead, which can cause the temporarily sutured stitches to come apart. The alcohol component can irritate the affected area and cause inflammation.

This can lead to peri-implantitis, causing not only pain but also loss of alveolar bone, which may cause the carefully placed artificial tooth fixture to become loose or, in severe cases, fall out. Therefore, we recommend avoiding alcohol.

Smoking after implant placement,

If you smoke after implant placement, the likelihood of needing the implant placed again increases. Harmful substances in cigarettes directly penetrate the affected area and can discolor the crown, and the inhaling process creates negative pressure in the oral cavity.

As a result, the affected area is stimulated when bleeding should stop, but instead the hemostatic process is hindered and the wound area may become larger, which can slow healing.

Therefore, we recommend quitting smoking.

So far, we have looked at precautions for eating, drinking alcohol, and smoking after implant placement. Implant treatment is not simply about replacing teeth; it also has a significant impact on improving quality of life. Therefore, we hope you will use your implants healthily for a long time through consistent aftercare. Thank you.

| *This post was written by [E-Pyeonhansesang Dental Clinic, Hwagok & Gangseo Branch] for informational purposes and in compliance with the Medical Advertising Act. The effects of all treatments may vary depending on the individual’s condition, and side effects may occur, so please have sufficient consultation with the medical staff before treatment. |