If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, All-on-4® could help you reclaim a complete smile with just four dental implants placed in precisely chosen spots in the jaw. But before you have All-on-4® surgery performed, you should make sure that you have an accurate idea of what will happen afterward; that way, you can make whatever preparations are needed to ensure that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Below is a brief look at what you can expect after your All-on-4® procedure.
What is the Initial Recovery Process Like?
Once All-on-4® surgery is complete, you should give your body plenty of time to rest. It’s usually recommended that patients take at least 2 or 3 days off work following the procedure. On top of that, you should refrain from strenuous exercise for a week or so, as an increased heart rate could lead to significantly increased discomfort.
Following the procedure, your mouth may be somewhat sore, and you may experience some level of bleeding and swelling. All of these side effects are perfectly normal and can be expected to fade away on their own as your body gradually heals. In many cases, your mouth will start to feel normal again after about a week.
What Can You Eat in the Days Following All-on-4®?
You will need to be gentle with your dental implant posts while they are fusing with your jawbone. As such, you should make a point of staying away from foods that are particularly hard or crunchy in the days after your All-on-4® surgery. For at least a few months, you will need to stick to a diet of soft or liquid foods, such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, and non-hot soup. Once your jaw has fully healed, you will be able to return to a normal diet.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
There’s no universal answer to this question; it ultimately depends on a number of factors, such as your body’s healing ability. Generally speaking, recovery time could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If it seems like your recovery is taking longer than it should, or if the post-surgery side effects seem to be growing worse, you should let your periodontist know immediately.
Knowing what will happen after your All-on-4® surgery is crucial if you want to keep your recovery on track. Remember that you can always reach out to your periodontist if you have any questions or concerns about the healing process.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman received his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology from the University of Tennessee. Today, he is a highly regarded member of the periodontal community who has earned Diplomate status with the American Board of Periodontology. He’s happy to be able to offer All-on-4® as a way to help his patients replace all their missing teeth at once. If you’re interested in rebuilding your smile with All-on-4®, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman at Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
