When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the name of the game; this ingenious solution is capable of fully restoring lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. And thanks to advancements in dental technology, All-on-4 dental implants have emerged as one of the best iterations of this treatment option. Continue reading below to learn a little more about this solution and what patients can generally expect during the recovery process.
What You Can Expect Post-Surgery
While traditional dentures are notorious for being ill-fitting and uncomfortable to wear at times, All-on-4 dental implants are an attractive alternative to them for most patients. They don’t require any adhesives and can be cared for just like your natural teeth; better yet, the minimally invasive procedure is typically completed in one day, with the permanent teeth placed roughly six to eight weeks later once the implant posts have fused with the jawbone.
That said, you can expect to endure some discomfort for up to three days after surgery; following this, you should begin to see some improvement. It’s recommended that you rest during these 72 hours following your surgery, and it’s usually wise to have someone with you who can keep an eye on you. Patients might also experience significant swelling after surgery, as well as bruising that typically appears after a few days.
Tips for a Faster Recovery
As with any type of oral surgery, the healing period is crucial. To ensure a quick and stress-free recovery, here are some simple tips you can follow:
- Avoid tugging on your lips or cheeks to look at the surgical site, as this might delay healing or disrupt the sutures.
- Refrain from spitting or rinsing your mouth for 24 hours post-surgery.
- Refrain from physical activities like exercise and heavy lifting for the first week, as an elevated heart rate can cause complications.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and stick to a soft-food diet that requires very little chewing.
- Take your prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as instructed.
- Avoid bad oral habits like smoking or using tobacco.
- Contact your oral surgeon if you experience excessive bleeding that can’t be stopped by biting down on gauze.
In any case, adhering to a strict oral hygiene regimen following your recovery will provide your new implants with the best odds of lasting for several years. Implants generally have a success rate of 95% – 98%, meaning that if you do things right, your beautiful, newly restored smile is here to stay!
About the Practice
Lifetime Dental of Gainesville is pleased to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Gainesville, GA area. Under the expert leadership of Dr. Shue Her, the practice offers a wide range of services including tooth restoration solutions such as dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to arrange a consultation, you can contact the practice online or by phone for assistance: (470) 228-4977.