How Dental Implants Impact Eating and Nutrition

While many patients may need to consider taking the plunge of getting dental implants, there are usually many questions and hesitancy on how they will actually work. Just as it is important to have a pretty smile, it is equally important to have functional teeth. While your concern is warranted, be rest assured, your friendly neighborhood dentist will be able to successfully install implants that shouldn’t impact your eating in a dramatic way.

When Should I Consider Dental Implants?

If you are unfamiliar with implants, they are simply imitation teeth used to resemble real teeth. As the name suggests, dentists implant the teeth in your gum line. There may be a few different reasons why you would elect to have dental implants, but the most common reason is if you are missing teeth and would like to restore your smile. Dental implants are considered cosmetic dentistry, but can be very much needed depending on your situation. Other reasons some patients may choose this procedure is due to wanting an alternative to dentures. This will be a conversation that you will want to talk about with your local dentist, and to find out what options you may have.

Who Should Not Elect to Have Dental Implant Surgery?

There are a few reasons why a patient would not choose dental implants, such as because they do not have healthy oral tissue or because they have a history with smoking tobacco.

What Can I Expect With Dental Implant Surgery?

This process of dental implants can be a lengthy one and one that is developed in stages. This article by the Mayo clinic does an excellent job of explaining the process a patient could expect with this treatment.

How Do You Eat with Dental Implants?

Like with most surgeries, it is going to be a process. But the good news is dental implants do such an incredible job as acting as real teeth. Unlike a crown, that replaces part of a tooth, the dental implant is more secure and can function just as normal. For example, someone who has a crown installed may be told to never bite into an apple with that specific tooth, whereas someone with dental implants will eventually be able to bite into an apple with ease.

What Can I First Expect with Dental Implants and Eating?

As mentioned previously, it’s going to be a slow process. Immediately following surgery, your gum site will be sore and tender. It is recommended for a patient to start with liquids for a few days, and then slowly transition to soft pureed foods. It’s important to remember that this is all temporary. After a few days, the patient will be able to eat food naturally, in fact, they probably will be able to eat food they weren’t able to eat while they had the missing tooth or teeth, such as nuts or popcorn. This is one of the few treatments that allows a patient to return to completely normal eating, with their teeth functioning as natural teeth.

Deciding to Proceed with Dental Implants

No matter your situation, it’s hard living with missing teeth. Many negative emotions can be surrounded by the idea of talking to others or smiling for a picture. The fear of someone noticing your missing tooth or teeth can cause embarrassment or even social awkwardness. If you feel you are ready to begin the process of dental implants in Lafayette, LA, there is no reason to look further than Maestri Dental. Dr. Maestri’s talented team will make this transition as smooth as possible. Contact her team for a consultation and look forward to confident smiles.