Dental implants present many frustrating challenges and roadblocks in terms of eating your favorite foods. Things like bridges and dentures can restore your ability to eat anything you like, but you won’t be able to eat all of them immediately after. It’s a natural question for many to wonder, “Can I eat pizza after dental implant?”
Unfortunately, for at least the first day or two, no pizza. Even then it will depend on how your mouth feels, if there’s any soreness and if you had any bone grafting in the process.
In the case of bone grafting, it may take up to a week or more before you’re able to have some pizza. Those people with poor oral health may have to wait as long as three months. Certainly, your dentist or other periodontal professionals will give you all the information you require before, during and after the procedure.
Typical Restrictions for Dental Implants
The day you get your dental implants, your dentist should provide you with a menu of soft foods you’ll be able to consume and other restrictions. For instance, you also won’t be able to drink bottle water, use a straw or put anything to your lips that will require suction.
This is because the placement of your new dental implants must heal correctly. A soft and liquid diet is best to help your new falsies integrate within your mouth, especially the jawbone. Even if you have a temporary placeholder before getting your dental implant, it doesn’t allow you to eat pizza.
However, the good news is that once this episode is over, the artificial teeth replacing your natural ones will allow you to eat all the pizza you desire. It won’t cause tooth sensitivity, pain or any of the other problems you experienced while eating pizza with natural teeth. So, there’s a virtue in prolonging gratification.
Reasons Not to Eat Pizza after a Dental Implant
There are several other reasons why you shouldn’t consume pizza after receiving a dental implant. In most cases, you must avoid sticky, spicy, hot, crunchy, chewy and acidic foods. Unfortunately, pizza is one of those delicacies encompassing all of these. It’s therefore probably the worst thing to eat after such a procedure.
While a pizza crust can be soft in combination with gooey cheese, the toppings and outer part of the crust can cut into your gums. It’s also hot and chewy, which can create a suction situation within your mouth. Not only will this be painful, but you may end up in an oral emergency.
Plus, things like garlic, onions and tomato sauce tends to be highly acidic. This is why the answer is “no” when inquiring, “Can I eat pizza after dental implant?”
Problems that Can Arise
No matter how much you may crave that crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness, you will have to exercise restraint and self-discipline. It’s too risky and you may end up with more problems than those with which you started.
You can incur infections, swelling, discomfort and bleeding if you eat pizza sooner than prescribed. In some cases, defying your dentist’s instructions may mean going to an emergency dentist to take care of such complications.
After a few weeks and your gums feel good, you can start consuming things like cheese, vegetables and softly cooked meats. But, pizza will still be questionable because of the crunchiness, heat and acidity.
Ways to Eat Pizza in Conjunction with Dental Implants
Sometimes, you may have to wait up to three months before you can consume pizza again. So, when you plan to get a dental implant procedure done, expect to refrain from consuming any pizza. This means you may have to indulge on a pie before dental work takes place.
The only potential way around this is if you’re willing to make a pizza smoothie, which might be quite nasty and gross. However, you can put it in a blender with a little olive oil and milk to make it a well-blended beverage if you’re that determined to eat some pizza. But you’re making a pizza smoothie at your own risk.
However, after a few weeks and you’re still not able to eat a whole pizza, you might be able to it cut into small pieces. Follow cutting by drenching it in extra tomato sauce and olive oil. It should be soggy and any toppings should have absolutely no crunch to it at all. Try a small bite of this and see how it makes your mouth feel.
How to Stave Off Pizza Cravings
In the event you have a pizza craving that’s absolutely driving you up the wall, there are a few things you can do to stave it off. It will be difficult at first, but you’ll get used to not eating pizza after a while.
Oftentimes, the main reason why you’re craving a pizza is because of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients associated with it. Check your diet to ensure you’re consuming enough protein, fiber, copper, zinc, and fat.
Focus on Nutrition
So, you can drink a fruit smoothie instead and follow this with a multivitamin. Wait an hour to see if you’re still craving pizza. If so, continue to eat highly nutritious soft foods while paying attention to smaller doled portions. Rather than eating large at specific mealtimes, eat little bits throughout the day.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
If you feel full, then you will reduce your desire to gorge on some pizza. The important thing here is to put it out of your mind. This means avoiding triggers like pictures, advertisements and TV. If an image of pizza crosses your path, look the other way.
This is because the more you see and think about pizza, the more you’ll want it for the simple fact you can’t eat it. It’s a funny thing about human psychology; for some reason, we want forbidden things more than those which are good for us. Use this healing and waiting time to gain control over your regular food intake habits.
Physical Activity
However, it might just be that you need a little physical activity too. If you’re sitting around the house mulling over all the foods you can’t eat right now, go for a walk or take a bike ride. Do something that will take your focus off things like pizza and put it to something more productive.
Dealing with Pizza Addiction
However, if you’re the kind of person who eats out of stress, for comfort or as some kind of extracurricular activity, perhaps it’s a simple matter of perspective. You have an opportunity right now to curb your bad eating habits and replace them with healthier ones.
Remember, you have control over the food you put into your body and the choices you make. It’s not the other way around. If your cravings are that bad, it could be a sign of pizza addiction (yes, it’s a thing). Then, you should visit your general practitioner, a dietary professional or a nutritionist for additional help.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you’re wondering, “Can I eat pizza after dental implant?” The answer is definite – NO!. Sorry, you simply won’t be able to eat pizza for a while and you will have to live with it. Keep in mind that this is temporary, though. You’ll be able to eat pizza as soon as your mouth heals and the implant adheres to your mouth.
If it’s driving you insane not being able to eat pizza, there are some things you can try. First, check your diet and ensure you’re eating a well-rounded amount of minerals and nutrients. If that doesn’t work, go for a walk or talk to a professional dietician. Whatever you do, don’t eat that pizza, the risk is too high.
