Dentures are the tried-and-true way to refurbish your grin after suffering tooth loss, but that doesn’t make them the best replacement teeth for every circumstance. If you struggle with frequently ill-fitting prosthetics or have a hard time taking them out to clean them, then you might do better with a more permanent solution, like All-On-4 implants.
This procedure involves strategically placing four titanium rods into your jawbone to anchor a complete set of artificial teeth. That way, you enjoy the usual benefits of standard dentures but with the added strength, stability, and easy maintenance of dental implants. However, you must care for yourself properly after your surgery for it to be successful. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from recovery!
Does All-On-4 Recovery Hurt?
It’s natural to want to know what symptoms are considered normal after a major procedure like dental implant placement. Fortunately, you’ll be numbed and sedated for the surgery itself, so you likely won’t experience any adverse effects until the medications begin to wear off. Then, it’s natural to have some mild bleeding, aches, and inflammation afterward. These sensations typically taper off after about a week and can often be addressed effectively with over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol or ibuprofen. You can also apply a cold compress for temporary relief.
If your bleeding doesn’t slow or you have chronic or progressive pain, let your dentist know right away so they can ensure you’re healing as intended.
What Can I Eat After All-On-4 Surgery?
Your dentist will likely provide dietary restrictions for you to follow so you can avoid hurting the implant sites when you eat. Because your mouth, jaw, and throat will likely be sore the first week after your procedure, you should stick to liquid foods so you don’t have to chew. Popular options include pureed soups, mashed potatoes, blended fruit smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, and ice cream. Remember to avoid overly hot temperatures that might dislodge the blood clots that must form for your implants to heal.
You should also drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and boost your immune system. Doing so increases your ability to fight off infection, which can keep gum disease at bay while you recover. However, steer clear of straws because the force of the suction can harm your blood clots.
It can take a week or two to recover enough that you feel comfortable trying more solid meals, but you’re welcome to try as soon as you feel ready. Just keep in mind that eating anything overly hard, chewy, or crunchy at this time could prevent your implants from fusing correctly with your jawbone and should be avoided.
Then, once you’ve healed, your dentist will schedule you for one final visit to place your dentures and send you home with a beautifully restored smile!
About the Practice
At Elmbrook Family Dental, you and your crew benefit from a team of experts who offer a full range of top-quality services at three convenient locations. They have 20+ years of combined experience helping families enhance their smiles to improve their overall quality of life. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and goals so they can devise fully individualized treatment plans to meet them. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to withstand the test of time. If you’re interested in All-On-4 implants, you can request a consultation on the website or call (262) 784-7201.