Weight Loss After Dental Implant Surgery: Alarming Or Normal?
Dental implants are a great way to boost your self-esteem with a perfect smile. This can come at a cost of some weight loss after dental implant surgery, which may or may not be alarming.
If you’re worried about weight loss after dental surgery, no need to be. Our expert dentist will explain to you whether losing weight after implants is a real cause of concern or not.
Can Dental Implants Cause Weight Loss?
Dental implants don’t cause weight loss directly. The surgery involves replacing missing teeth with an implant, which doesn’t directly relate to weight loss.
Some people do lose weight after teeth implants because of the post-operative instructions. You have to give up on some foods for a few days to weeks after the implant.
The sudden dietary changes with poor knowledge of nutritional replacements can lead to indirect weight loss after dental implant surgery.
Is Weight Loss After Dental Implant Surgery Alarming Or Normal?
A little weight loss after dental implant surgery is not uncommon. It is also not a cause of concern because the loss is temporary and insignificant in numbers.
The only time you should worry about weight loss after dental implant surgery is when it’s prolonged. Typically, a loss of more than 5% of your body weight within 6 to 12 months is worrisome.
Fortunately, such weight loss after dental implant surgery is extremely rare. You don’t have to worry about your health when replacing a missing tooth with an implant.
Why Do People Experience Weight Loss After Dental Implant Surgery?
The most common reason behind weight loss after dental implant surgery is dietary changes after the operation. Let’s look at the reasons in more detail:
Dietary Restrictions
A dental implant surgery requires you to quit some food and drinking habits during the recovery phase. For example, for the first few days, you cannot have dairy items such as:
Milk
Cheese
Yogurt
Butter
You also have to follow a diet containing soft foods to avoid prolonged inflammation. These changes can cause you to lose some weight, but the overall amount is usually insignificant.
Once you return to your regular diet after completing dental implant recovery, you’ll regain the pounds you lost. It’s also easy to avoid losing weight after dental surgery with a good dental implant diet timeline.
Post-Op Discomfort
Another common reason why weight loss occurs after dental implant surgery is post-op discomfort. You may face pain and swelling around your gums after the procedure.
The pain may aggravate by eating food or drinking water, leading to an aversion to meals. When patients skip their meals after dental implants, weight loss occurs.
Because of the reduced intake of food items and dietary restrictions, the weight loss may seem more significant. Your dentist in Bridgeport can guide you on how to maintain weight with comprehensive post-op instructions.
For example, they may develop a dental implant diet timeline to help you enjoy regular meals. They will also inform you on how to get essential nutrients without indulging in foods that should be avoided.
Average Weight Loss After Dental Implant Surgery
There is no specific value for average weight loss after dental implant surgery. That’s because the amount depends on various factors such as:
Frequency of meals
Food items you intake
Beverages you consume
Whether you exercise or not
You must also remember that not every person experiences weight loss after dental implant surgery. People who follow a good dental implant diet timeline rarely have to worry about losing weight.
Dental Implant Diet Timeline To Avoid Weight Loss After Dental Implant Surgery
Some people are diligent about avoiding foods that their dentist in Bridgeport said not to consume. However, they may not know which nutrient-rich foods to replace those items with.
That’s why they end up losing weight due to an inappropriate diet. A dental implant diet timeline helps you tackle such challenges and maintain a normal weight.
Your dentist will suggest foods that you should avoid after the surgery. They will also offer you replacement options that will help you get essential nutrients and minerals.
FAQs
Is It Normal To Lose Weight After Dental Surgery?
It is normal to lose a few pounds after dental surgery due to post-op dietary changes, aversion to specific foods, and pain. The loss may also not be physically noticeable.
How Long Does Weight Loss After Dental Implant Surgery Last?
Weight loss after dental implant surgery lasts a few days to two weeks. Once you get back to your regular diet, you will regain weight.
When Should You Worry About Weight Loss After Dental Implant Surgery?
You should worry about weight loss after dental implant surgery when the number is too high. If you’ve lost more than 5% of body weight in less than 6 months after a tooth implant, you should meet with your doctor.
Get A Dental Implant At KWC Dental Without The Risk Of Weight Loss
KWC Dental is a leading clinic in Bridgeport and Kitchener-Waterloo. Our experienced dentists successfully perform hundreds of tooth implants every year.
We also develop a comprehensive dental implant diet timeline for our patients. This means you’ll never have to worry about weight loss after dental implant surgery at KWC Dental. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!