What to Expect While Recovering from All-on-4 Surgery
Few options are as effective for replacing missing arches of teeth as All-on-4 dental implants; however, the recovery process plays a pivotal role in their overall success! Here’s more from your dentist about what to expect while recovering from All-on-4 surgery along with some tips on what to eat and drink throughout your recuperation.
Recovering from All-on-4 Surgery
All-on-4 implants are arguably one of the most effective solutions for gum disease and tooth decay where entire upper or lower arches of teeth are missing or beyond repair. Unlike traditional dentures, which rely on a combination of suction, adhesives, and muscle control to stay in place, implant dentures are directly anchored to your jawbone.
This ultimately yields several awesome benefits—mainly, a huge increase in biting power coupled with a beautiful and complete new smile! That said, you can expect some side effects after your procedure before you truly begin to enjoy their benefits. You might experience minimal bleeding, swelling, stiffness, and surgical site pain—but these effects are temporary and rarely last more than a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers can often be taken to alleviate these symptoms.
This means that aftercare is crucial following All-on-4 implant surgery! You should begin brushing your new teeth the day after surgery using a soft-bristled toothbrush. But in addition to managing your pain and keeping your mouth clean, you need to adhere to a rigid set of dietary restrictions.
Tips for Eating and Drinking Following All-on-4 Surgery
You’re going to feel pretty worn out following All-on-4 surgery, and you’ll want to take it easy for the first few days after surgery to give your body a chance to recuperate. That said, your dietary restrictions will last up to about 3 months following the procedure. Here are some tips for ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery:
- For the first 48 hours after surgery, stick to drinking cool liquids. You should only consume hot liquids after the numbness from the anesthesia has subsided and any bleeding has stopped. Consider options like soups and broths, smoothies, and protein shakes, and more. Refrain from anything spicy until at least a few days post-surgery.
- After 1 – 2 weeks, you can begin transitioning from your liquid-only diet to a soft-food diet—your stomach will likely be craving real food by now! Be extra careful not to eat anything hard, crunchy, or chewy during this period. Stick to things that require minimal chewing and can be spoon-fed like baked or mashed fruits and vegetables, yogurt or other dairy products, soft proteins, and more. A blender or food processor can be of great use here!
- Beyond the 2-week point, you can start to add additional items to your diet as you’re able: things like soft breads, cooked pasta, pureed stews, and more are all excellent options that require minimal chewing.
- Staying hydrated is also vital throughout your recovery; it helps your mouth maintain an optimal level of moistness for healing. Although, you should refrain from using a straw—the suction can loosen your blood clots and delay the healing process!
Knowing how to ensure a smooth recovery following your All-on-4 surgery will set your implants up for lasting success, and what you eat matters heavily!