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All on 4 dental implants are placed with a thorough treatment process, which means that you’ll need some time to recover.
You’ll receive personalised recovery instructions to follow after your procedure, but it can be helpful to learn about how to care for your teeth during recovery and what to expect ahead of time.
In this blog, we’ll go through what to expect during your recovery, how to manage the initial post-surgery period, and what you’ll need to know about eating, caring for your teeth, and returning to normal activities.
What to expect straight after All on 4 dental implants surgery
Straight after surgery, you’ll still be under the effects of anaesthesia or sedation, depending on what was used for your procedure.
If you had general anaesthesia, you’ll spend some time in recovery before being discharged, whereas if sedation was used, you’ll likely be able to leave sooner. Regardless of the type of anaesthesia, you’ll need someone to take you home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.
In the first 24 hours, swelling, bruising, and some bleeding are expected. The extent of swelling varies, but it usually peaks around the second or third day before gradually improving. Ice packs can help to manage this in the first day or two, though they should be used intermittently rather than continuously.
It will be normal to experience some discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed pain medication. It’s important that you take any medication as instructed, particularly in the first few days, as this will help with both pain and inflammation.
Managing the first few days of recovery
After getting All on 4 implants, the first few days will be when your body does a lot of the initial healing, so rest is going to be a priority. While you’ll still need to move around and avoid complete inactivity, keeping physical exertion to a minimum will help prevent unnecessary swelling and discomfort.
Keeping the mouth clean is essential after surgery, but you’ll need to be careful with how you brush in the first few days. A soft-bristled toothbrush will be best, as it minimises irritation while still keeping the mouth clean.
It’s normal to have some minor bleeding from the surgical sites during the first day. If bleeding seems excessive or doesn’t ease after the first day, it’s important that you contact our team for advice.
Swelling in the face and jaw is expected, and it may cause some tightness or stiffness when opening your mouth. This tends to improve after the first week, though some mild residual swelling can last longer.
Bruising can also develop and may spread down toward the neck or chest. This happens due to the way blood disperses under the skin and is not usually a cause for concern. As with swelling, bruising will resolve on its own but can take up to a couple of weeks to fully fade.
Eating and drinking after All on 4 dental implants
Since your implants need time to stabilise and integrate with the bone, a soft diet will be required. This helps prevent unnecessary pressure on the implants while they heal.
In the first few days, liquids and very soft foods are best. As healing progresses, foods with a slightly thicker consistency can then begin to be carefully re-introduced.
Hard, crunchy, and chewy foods should be avoided entirely during the initial healing phase, as biting into anything too firm can disrupt the implants. Hot drinks should also be avoided in the first couple of days, as they can increase swelling and irritation in the surgical sites.
Returning to your normal daily activities
When it comes to resuming your normal daily routine, it will be important to follow your personalised instructions, as we will give you advice based on your individual needs and lifestyle.
Most patients will need to take at least a few days off work, though this will depend on the nature of your job. Those with physically demanding roles may need to take a little longer before returning, as excessive movement or strain in the early healing phase can worsen swelling or discomfort.
Exercise should be avoided for at least the first week, as increased blood flow from physical exertion can lead to more swelling and bleeding. Once you do start exercising again, it should be reintroduced gradually, paying attention to how your body responds.
Importantly, smoking should be avoided entirely, as it significantly impacts healing and increases the risk of implant failure.
The final prosthetic placement and longer-term healing
While the initial recovery takes a few weeks, full healing will typically take longer.
The implants will need time to integrate with the jawbone, a process known as osseointegration, which can take several months. During this time, your temporary prosthetic teeth will remain in place to protect the implants.
Once healing has progressed enough, your final prosthetic teeth will be made and fitted. These are designed to be more durable and better suited to long-term use compared to the temporary set. We’ll assess your healing at follow-up appointments and determine when it’s the right time to proceed with the final prosthetic placement.
Even after healing is complete, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups will be important to keep the implants in good condition. While they aren’t susceptible to decay like natural teeth, the surrounding gums and bone still need care to prevent any complications in the future. Choosing a dental clinic that offers longer-term care, like Oasis Dental Studio, can make the process a lot easier.
All on 4 Dental Implants at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Pottsville
If you need to replace missing teeth and find that All on 4 suits your needs, you’ll be able to discuss all of the details of recovery during your consultation.
To enquire, please get in touch with our team at our Gold Coast, Brisbane or Pottsville locations.
