Dental implants are one of the most reliable, lifelike, and durable tooth replacement options. They are connected directly to the jawbone using titanium, biocompatible steel posts. Unlike other restorations, they replicate your natural teeth, from root to crown. In the past, dental implants could only be installed on a one-to-one basis, meaning one implant was used for each tooth. But now, with the advancement of dental technology, it is possible to support multiple teeth with fewer implant posts. In fact, an entire arch of teeth can be replaced with just four implants located in key parts of your jaw! This procedure is called All-On-4. Here’s what to expect during recovery for your restored smile.
You Will Need to Take a Bit of Time Off Work
You should plan on recuperating fully at home for at least one or two days after the All-on-4 procedure, especially if you have a job that involves a lot of physical labor. It is important to avoid any strenuous activity that could lead to increased bleeding, swelling, and pain in your mouth. So, take the time to give your mouth a chance to rest during the initial healing process.
Swelling and Bruising are Normal
As with most surgeries, it is typical to experience some level of swelling and bruising after your dental implants are placed. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help keep your discomfort under control. Your dentist might also prescribe pain medication depending on your circumstances. To keep swelling at a minimum, apply an ice pack to the side of your face for 15 minutes at a time.
You Should Plan on Eating Soft Foods for a While
It will take some time before you will be ready to handle hard or crunchy foods again. Even if you receive temporary dentures on the same day as your implant surgery, your mouth will still need to heal slowly with no irritations. Stock up on soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, applesauce, canned fruit, oatmeal, and protein shakes. These won’t require much chewing and will allow the healing process to continue peacefully.
You Will Have Multiple Follow-Up Appointments
You will continue to visit your dentist several times in the weeks and months following your implant surgery. It is important for them to keep an eye on your progress during your recovery to make sure that there aren’t long-term complications. During your appointments, feel free to ask for advice on taking proper care of your new smile at home. Once your All-on-4 recovery is complete, it will be time to enjoy the life-changing benefits of your beautiful new teeth held in place by sturdy, reliable implant posts.
All-on-4 dental implants can be life-changing if you are missing most or all of your teeth. While they do require some patience during the recovery period, your complete and long-lasting smile will be worth every minute of it!
About the Author
Dr. J. Darrell Steele is eager to help you achieve your healthiest, most beautiful smile yet. He earned his dental doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry and has been an accomplished oral surgeon for decades. As the first one in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to use the YOMI dental implant robot, he can restore your smile in a safer and more comfortable way. To schedule a consultation, visit him through his website or call (972) 315-3355.
