Cosmetic Dentistry Questions: What Can I Expect After the All-on-4® Procedure?

All-on-4 Dalton, GA

Placement of All-on-4® dental implants, like other surgical procedures, requires recovery time. Recovery from the surgery can last at least a week. However, there is a period of osseointegration that can take several months before the permanent dentures can be placed in the mouth. During this time, it is important that the patient follow the oral surgeon's instructions carefully. Failure of the dentures could result otherwise.

Postsurgical Symptoms

Symptoms associated with the All-on-4® procedure typically last only a few days to a week. The surgeon will provide specific instructions on coping with these symptoms, but here are some general guidelines.

Pain

Postoperative pain is normal after any surgery. If the pain is severe, the surgeon may prescribe narcotic pain medications. Patients should be careful to take these as directed and not operate machinery or drive while on pain medications because they cause drowsiness. If over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are sufficient to cope with symptoms, patients should use those instead to avoid the risk of becoming addicted to opioids.

Bleeding

It is normal for wounds to bleed slightly following the implant procedure. This can be controlled by resting quietly with the head elevated while biting gently on a damp piece of gauze for 30 minutes to one hour. Minimal bleeding of this nature may persist for two to three days following the surgery. During this time, saliva may appear blood-tinged or pink, which is normal.

Swelling

Swelling of the area during the postsurgical recovery period is common. It may persist for seven to 10 days after surgery. However, it usually reaches its peak within 72 hours and then gradually subsides. During the first 24 hours after surgery, patients can apply an ice pack to the area during waking hours for 20 minutes at a time, with at least 20 minutes without the ice pack in between. Patients can then begin warm, moist compresses after the initial 48 hours.

Oral Care

To improve the mouth's cosmesis, the oral surgeon places a temporary prosthesis in the mouth immediately following surgery. It is not intended for chewing foods that are hard or crunchy, and any attempt to do so may damage the implants. It is also important to clean the prosthesis properly.

Diet

A patient should eat a diet consisting entirely of soft foods for at least three months following the surgery to give the implants time to fuse completely with the bone:

  • Scrambled eggs
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Pancakes
  • Tofu
  • Applesauce
  • Stewed or roasted chicken

Additionally, any foods that are pureed, mashed, chopped or ground should be acceptable.

Hygiene

Cleaning the temporary prosthesis involves brushing with toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush every night before bedtime and after every meal. In addition, a patient should irrigate under the prosthesis to keep it clean. The oral surgeon will provide a Monoject syringe for this purpose after the surgery. The patient should use this for the first two weeks postoperatively. After that point, the patient should switch to a Waterpik® and can start flossing as well.

Conclusion

The success of the All-on-4® implant procedure depends on the patient's ability to follow instructions in regard to symptom control and oral care.

Are you considering All-on-4® in the Dalton area? Get more information at https://drcalldental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Dental Restoration Options To Replace A Missing Tooth

A strong and stable dental restoration can replace your missing tooth. Many people suffer from tooth loss. Using removable dentures is a way to fill the dental space. This can prevent many dental issues from developing. Here are the dental restoration options available for your missing tooth.The dentist will assess the patient’s mouth and see…

Is Dental Restoration Necessary After A Root Canal?

A root canal removes the infected pulp, then cleans and seals the tooth. Many patients may be unsure if there is anything else they need to do after the root canal. The answer is yes; they will need a dental restoration to restore the tooth's functionality. Let us dive into why leaving a treated tooth…

The Importance Of Dental Restoration

Dental restoration services, formally known as restorative dentistry, are paramount to a person’s overall oral health. Dental restoration is the process of repairing teeth and restoring them to their original state, hence the name. This article will explore how restorative dentistry can prevent health problems, from tooth decay to misalignment and more.Decay, infection, and other…

The Stages Of Gum Disease And When To Seek Treatment

Gum disease is a common yet serious condition that negatively impacts oral health if left untreated. The condition can result from plaque and bacteria buildup, starting with mild symptoms and leading to tooth loss. Knowing the stages of gum disease and when to seek treatment can help protect your gums and teeth.Gum disease, or periodontal…