If you’re missing a whole row of teeth, All-on-4 dental implants are definitely the most cost-effective way to bring them back. Just four implants are enough to keep a full denture in place for decades, if not a lifetime. However, it will take some time for All-on-4 to feel like your natural teeth. You’ll need to wait until your mouth and jaw have finished recovering. What will that process look like? Read on to learn what you can expect after All-on-4 dental implant surgery and some tips for healing!
How Long Does All-on-4 Recovery Take?
While it can take several months to finish adjusting to traditional dentures, All-on-4 doesn’t take nearly as long. It does require oral surgery, though, and you’ll need to spend a few days resting while your mouth begins healing.
You can expect some soreness for about two or three days after your procedure. By taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your dentist, it should be fairly easy to minimize discomfort.
Generally speaking, most patients feel well enough to resume their normal activities within a few days to a week after All-on-4 surgery. However, you’ll need to follow certain guidelines during this period to ensure your new teeth are successful in the long run. These include maintaining proper oral hygiene and adhering to the right diet.
Caring for Your Mouth After All-on-4 Surgery
To help your gums and jawbone heal, you should be careful not to irritate the surgical sites. After your procedure, avoid rinsing with water for the rest of the day. For the next three or so days, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution up to three times daily; this soothes the gums and reduces bacterial buildup. Beginning the day after your surgery, you can brush as you would ordinarily, but use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be extremely careful near the implant sites.
What Can You Eat After Getting All-on-4 Dental Implants?
Although you’ll eventually be able to eat basically any food you want with All-on-4 dental implants, you’ll need to exercise caution while your mouth is still healing. The temporary prosthetic teeth you receive aren’t built to withstand the pressure of chewy or hard foods. Such foods could also interfere with the implants’ integration with your jawbone.
Stick to a liquid diet for the first two weeks (but don’t use a straw). At that point, you can start eating soft foods. This may continue for the next three to six months, when your dentist will determine that your implants have fused with your jaw and your final denture can be placed.
In nearly every way, All-on-4 dental implants are like having your original pearly whites back. As long as you follow your dentist’s aftercare guidelines, you can look forward to a permanent set of teeth that should serve you for decades to come!
About the Practice
At North Garland Family Dental, we’re proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant care under one roof, including All-on-4 implants in Garland, TX. When our general dentist, Dr. Megan Snyder, and our periodontist, Dr. Yaritza Vazquez, combine their knowledge and skills, they make it easy for patients to create their dream smiles. Our team would be more than happy to guide you at every step of your All-on-4 recovery, and you can learn more by calling us at (972) 530-7979.
