All-on-4 Dental Implants Recovery Time
Individuals missing most or all of their teeth can benefit from All-on-4® dental implants at our practice. This advanced treatment offers a long-lasting, stable restoration that does not shift or slip like traditional dentures. At Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Center, serving Yuma, AZ, and Mexicali, many patients ask us how long the All-on-4 dental implants recovery time lasts. In this blog post, Dr. Jose Valenzuela discusses this topic and offers some helpful recommendations for a speedy, successful recovery.
Recovery Time: All-on-4 vs. Traditional Implants
When traditional dental implants are placed, it takes anywhere from three to six months for healing to complete. During this time, osseointegration occurs, a process in which the jawbone tissue fuses to the surface of the implant.
When All-on-4 dental implants are placed, they are strategically placed at angles to maximize existing jawbone tissue. While All-on-4 implants still need to fully integrate, they will be stable at the outset because of the placement method used.
For this reason, most patients can start using a new restoration the very same day. However, it is important to follow a few specific guidelines to make your recovery as comfortable and successful as possible.
Tips for a Successful Recovery
Before you undergo surgery at our practice, Dr. Valenzuela will provide you with a comprehensive list of pre- and post-op instructions. Here are a few recommendations that will help make your recovery a success:
- Get plenty of rest. Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure. It is important that you give your body time to heal. Take it easy for the first two to three days.
- Plan ahead. If you will be sedated during your All-on-4 dental implant surgery, be sure to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. It is also a good idea to pick up any prescriptions beforehand, so you do not have to stop at the pharmacy on the way home from our office.
- Alter your diet accordingly. Like any oral surgery, it is best to eat softer, cooler foods for the first several days. Stock your fridge with yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, mashed potatoes, eggs, and other similar foods.
- Take all medications as prescribed. Dr. Valenzuela will give you prescriptions to take after your procedure. This may include antibiotics and pain medication. Be sure to take these exactly as directed for optimal results.
- Avoid strenuous exercise. Patients who undergo oral surgery should avoid the gym for at least 48 to 72 hours. When the heart rate is elevated, the risk for bleeding, swelling, and discomfort increases.
- Attend follow-up visits. Dr. Valenzuela will see you for a follow-up appointment one to two weeks after your procedure. It is important to attend these visits to ensure your recovery is going as expected.
Post-Surgical Side Effects
Following any dental implant surgery, certain side effects are to be expected. For example, some degree of tenderness is normal, as is slight bleeding and inflammation. These symptoms should diminish within the first 48 to 72 hours.
Adhering to the recommended guidelines will reduce bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. If you develop persistent bleeding that does not slow, or swelling that worsens after the third day, call our office for further instructions.
Contact Our Practice to Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about All-on-4 dental implants, schedule a consultation at our practice, serving patients in Yuma and Mexicali. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (928) 257-3604.