If you are preparing for All-On-4 dental implants, you’re well on your way to a fully functional, healthier, and longer-lasting smile. While this is certainly exciting news, you may be wondering what the recovery phase of treatment will be like. From the types of food you can eat to the level of discomfort you might feel to the timeline for successful healing, it’s important you have this information before going into your procedure. A local dentist wants you to be fully prepared, which is why this article discusses what you need to know when it comes to recovering after your All-On-4 procedure.
What is Expected Immediately Following the All-On-4 Procedure?
Once you are sent home to begin your All-On-4 recovery, you can expect your dentist to recommend plenty of rest. The anesthetic you’re given will need time to wear off, and you’ll likely be a bit tired and groggy. It may also be helpful to take prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers before your anesthesia wears off, as this will minimize discomfort once you are no longer under its effects.
You’ll be required to adhere to a liquid and soft diet during the initial days, weeks, and months of your recovery. The reason is that osseointegration must be successful in order for your dental implants to fuse with your jawbone. Placing unnecessary pressure on your implants can cause them to shift and even fail if you’re not careful.
Because it can take several months for your gums and bone to completely heal, it’s imperative that you follow the instructions provided to you by your dentist.
What Foods Are Acceptable to Eat During Recovery?
As we previously mentioned, a liquid and soft food diet are best initially. Pureed soups, mashed potatoes, broth, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, smoothies, and other foods that do not require much chewing are acceptable. Once you begin to feel like your normal self again and the soreness dissipates, you can slowly begin to incorporate solid foods; however, you should still stay away from anything hard or crunchy as well as anything that contains small seeds. Until your incision sites are fully healed, it is best to avoid the use of straws to consume your beverages.
Is Taking Time Off Work Necessary?
Yes, you will likely need to take some time off work after your All-On-4 procedure. Most patients opt to schedule their surgery toward the end of the week because of the extra days of healing at home without taking additional days off. The decision is ultimately up to you but depending on the type of job you have, you may need to take a few additional days from work. Those requiring little to no physical labor may only require one or two missed days, but if your work consists of hard, strenuous, physical exertion, you may need to take anywhere from four to five days off.
Although the recovery phase takes time, the results you’ll achieve with your All-On-4 will be well worth it. Should you have any questions about your post-operative instructions, don’t hesitate to ask your dental team.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She earned the recognition of being one of Westminster’s Top 3 Local Dentists in 2019 as well as one of Colorado’s Top Dentists in 2020. Whether she is performing a general checkup or preparing an individual for All-On-4, she always provides clear instructions to ensure swift and successful healing during the recovery process. If you’re ready to learn what you can expect from your All-On-4 treatment, contact us at (720) 458-6561.