If you’re tired of dealing with a denture that always shifts around, you may have considered upgrading your denture with dental implants. Not only can implants give you strong teeth that stay in place, but with a treatment called All-on-4, you can get your prosthetic teeth on the very same day! That being said, All-on-4 dental implants in Waverly require oral surgery, so you might have some questions about the healing process. Read on as a dentist shares what you can expect when recovering from All-on-4 surgery.
How Long Does All-on-4 Recovery Take?
Everyone heals at a different rate, but you can expect your mouth to feel tender and sore for a few days after All-on-4 surgery. Your dentist should prescribe pain medication, and cold compresses can also reduce discomfort. More often than not, the pain will subside after a week at most.
If you’re wondering when you can go back to work after getting All-on-4 implants, the answer varies. Mainly, it depends on the type of work you do. If your job is mostly sedentary, you might be able to resume your normal activities after a day or two. However, you should take more time off if your job involves strenuous physical activity. Exercise can slow the speed at which your body heals.
Oral Hygiene After Getting All-on-4
Keeping your mouth clean during this critical period is essential in preventing infection. Starting on the day after your procedure, you should rinse your mouth with salt water at least two or three times daily (preferably following each meal). This soothes irritated tissues and reduces the risk of bacterial buildup. However, do NOT spit or swish vigorously. You’ll also need to be careful when brushing your new teeth, especially near the surgical sites.
Foods to Eat (& Avoid) After All-on-4 Surgery
All-on-4 lets you chew with the same strength as natural teeth, but don’t test this theory until after you’ve received your permanent denture. The temporary prosthetic you get immediately after your surgery isn’t designed to withstand a great deal of biting force.
To minimize pressure on your new teeth, you may want to start on a liquid diet and gradually add soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and oatmeal. Just be sure that if you consume any juices or smoothies, avoid using a straw, as that can dislodge the blood clots forming over the implant sites. You should also stay away from foods that are particularly crunchy, hot, spicy, or acidic. These items can exert excessive pressure and irritate your mouth as it’s still healing.
Enjoy a Brand-New Smile in Just One Day!
With All-on-4 dental implants, you can replace an entire arch of missing teeth in a single day. Better yet, you won’t need to worry about them slipping or falling out. If you have any questions about All-on-4 recovery in Waverly, be sure to ask your dentist. They’re there to help!
About the Author
At Smiley Family Dentistry in Waverly, IA, Dr. Jonathan Smiley can complete every step of the dental implant treatment process in one location, including All-on-4 surgery. This makes for a convenient, streamlined experience overall. He’ll also provide you with personalized recovery guidelines to ensure your new smile lasts for decades to come. To start your journey to a complete smile with All-on-4, visit Dr. Smiley’s website or call his office at (319) 352-2270.