When all of the teeth in a single arch have been lost, All-on-4 makes it possible to enjoy a complete smile again with a minimal number of dental implant posts. However, it’s important to have a clear idea of what to expect after your All-on-4 surgery. In particular, until your mouth has fully healed, you will need to be careful of what you eat. Below is a brief overview of what your diet will look like following the All-on-4 procedure.
The First Two Weeks of Recovery After All-on-4 Surgery
At the beginning of the recovery process, you will only be able to consume liquids; foods that require any level of chewing should be avoided for the time being. Be sure to choose a variety of liquids that can help your body get the nutrition it needs for a successful healing process. Some potentially good choices include broth, pureed vegetable soup, fruit juices, frozen yogurt, and milk. Remember to drink plenty of water as well in order to stay hydrated throughout your recovery.
Two Weeks to Three Months Following All-on-4 Surgery
After about two weeks, you’ll be ready to move past an all-liquid diet. That being said, you still won’t be able to handle hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could cause problems for your dental implants while they’re trying to form a lasting bond with your jawbone. Thus, for up to three months following your All-on-4 surgery, you will need to stick to a soft food diet.
Luckily, there are plenty of soft foods that you should be able to enjoy while your mouth is recovering. Particularly good examples include mashed potatoes, applesauce, sliced bananas, muffins, cooked pasta, and scrambled eggs.
Make Sure You’re Ready Ahead of Time
It’ll be easier to enjoy your meals during your recovery when you already have a firm idea of what you can and can’t eat. Be proactive in doing your research regarding foods that are safe to eat following All-on-4 surgery, and make sure that your refrigerator and pantry are already well-stocked prior to the day of the procedure.
Don’t forget that you always have the option of reaching out to your periodontal team if you have any concerns about the recovery process. It’s always a good idea to see what your periodontist has to say about your diet after the All-on-4 procedure.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and he holds membership with a variety of organizations, such as the Massachusetts Periodontal Society. At his Worcester practice, Handsman & Haddad Periodontics, he can help his patients rebuild their smiles thanks to the All-on-4 procedure. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman, visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
