Are you thinking about moving forward with All-On-4 dental implants to replace your missing arch of teeth? If you are, you likely have many questions about the treatment process, oral surgery, and at-home recovery. Because these implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, you’ll naturally be required to follow certain guidelines when it comes to ensuring the successful healing of your new smile. Read on to hear from a dentist in Lincoln who shares what you can expect while recovering from All-On-4 dental implant placement.
How Long Does All-On-4 Recovery Take?
It is natural for your mouth to feel sore and tender in the days following your implant procedure. Most patients can resume normal activity after a few days or even a week, but every person is different. Because oral surgery is involved when receiving All-On-4 dental implants, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and using a cold compress to reduce swelling and minimize discomfort can be helpful. The good news is this pain shouldn’t last more than a few days.
However, during this initial timeframe, you’ll want to avoid rinsing your mouth on the first full day. You can use warm salt water rinse 2-3 times a day to reduce bad bacteria and thoroughly cleanse your surgical sites. Just do not swish vigorously. Also, you’ll need to be gentle while brushing your teeth, especially around your new implants, and try to avoid touching or prodding these areas with your finger or tongue.
If you’re a smoker, it’s best to give up the habit if possible, but if you cannot, wait until you are fully healed from surgery before picking it up. The reason is your immune system will be weakened as a result, causing your healing time to be much slower.
What Foods Are Acceptable to Eat During Recovery?
While All-on-4 will give you greater bite force and chewing power, you won’t want to test this theory until you’ve received your finalized, custom denture. Your temporary prosthetic will not be designed to withstand that type of pressure, so during your recovery, it’s best to stick to softer foods.
Many people start on a liquid diet before slowly integrating soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, and pureed vegetables. This prevents additional pressure from being placed on your new teeth and minimizes any soreness caused by chewing. Once your dental implants are fully fused with the bone, you’ll receive your customized denture and can begin to enjoy all your favorite foods.
Choosing All-On-4 dental implants allows you to embrace life with a healthier, more fully functional smile. Unlike traditional prosthetics that can slip, fall out, and cause irritation, you can expect your new teeth to give you a new reason to engage with others and feel your very best day after day.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding is a trusted dentist in Lincoln who provides his patients with dental implants to help address tooth loss of all types. Whether it is traditional implants or All-On-4, he and his team will work to create healthy, beautiful smiles for patients in need. If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with this unique restorative solution, contact us at (402) 488-2325.