Recovery and Aftercare After Getting All-on-4 Implants

Getting All-on-4® implants is a convenient way to restore your smile, especially if you have lost most or all of your teeth. While All-on-4 implants are a streamlined solution to replacing missing teeth, they require minor oral surgery. It is important to be diligent about your recovery and aftercare to prevent post-operative complications and implant failure.

Recovery and aftercare getting All-on-4 implants

As previously mentioned, the All-on-4 procedure is a mild oral surgery with a recovery period that varies for each patient per the procedure, oral hygiene, and overall health. Here are a few tips on ensuring this treatment is successful.

Initial recovery

The sedation should wear off about 4 to 5 hours after the end of the procedure. Patients will need a trusted friend or family member to drive them home. Our team will provide post-operative instructions to manage symptoms and avoid complications.

In the first few days after the procedure, it is normal to experience some light bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medication can typically alleviate pain. In some cases, there may be a need for prescribed pain medication. Applying ice packs to the affected area for fifteen minutes at a time can also help with pain and minimize swelling. Most inflammation should disappear within 72 hours. Patients can typically return to work after a few days.

Oral hygiene

After getting implants installed, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. These practices help reduce the risk of an infection. The peridontist may recommend using interdental brushes designed to specifically clean implants to make it easier to keep the prosthetics clean.

The surgical area will be sore in the first few days after getting implants. The patient should avoid touching or irritating this area during this time. They should be gentle when brushing their teeth and use any prescribed mouthwash provided by the periodontist as instructed.

Dietary changes

Patients should stick to a liquid diet to avoid aggravating the surgical sites in the first three weeks after getting the implants installed. They can then start to integrate soft foods into their diet, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Cooked cereals (oatmeal and grits)
• Scrambled eggs
• Meats (chicken and fish)
• Seedless fruits
• Thin pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, orzo)

Be sure to avoid hot, spicy, and crunchy foods. These items irritate the implants and can interrupt the healing process.

Long-term aftercare

While the initial recovery typically lasts a few weeks, proper aftercare is essential for the long-term success of All-on-4 implants. The healing process, known as osseointegration, can take up to six months; this is where the implants fuse with the jawbone. It varies from patient to patient, as it may take longer for those needing additional treatments and add another couple of months to the healing process.

Like natural teeth, All-on-4 implants must be maintained with regular brushing and flossing. If neglected, plaque and tartar can build up and cause gum infection. This may cause bone loss and loosen the implant. In addition, go to regular dental check-ups and follow-ups with the periodontist.

Smoking and tobacco use

For the long-term success of All-on-4 implants, patients should not smoke. Smoking and other tobacco use can interrupt the healing process. According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, the risk of implant failure is increased with the increased number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Signs of potential issues

All-on-4 implants are a reliable restoration method with a high success rate. However, it is important to remain vigilant for any signs of complications. Patients should contact our office as soon as possible if they experience the following:

• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Excessive bleeding or swelling
• Prosthetic teeth feel loose
• Signs of infection (fever or pus discharge)
• Implants fit or feel different