What To Expect During All-on-4 Dental Implant Recovery

Many denture patients are unaware that All-on-4 full-arch fixed dental implant bridges are the quickest and most affordable way to restore full functionality from missing teeth. While every case involving dental implants is different, many patients can experience the many benefits of All-on-4 dental implants first hand. 

Whether you are awaiting your own All-on-4 dental implant treatment, or are in the beginning stages of gathering information, here's what you can expect during the implant recovery process. 

What Is All-on-4 Implant Surgery?

All-on-4 dental implants are a graftless, cost-effective solution that provides patients with a fixed full-arch prosthesis all in the same day. The process involves fixed cross arch dental prostheses that are immediately loaded and supported by four dental implants. Two anterior straight implants and two tilted posterior implants make up the all-on-4 dental appliance. 

All-on-4 implants offer the best technique to achieve your smile's restored functionality in an aesthetically pleasing and affordable way. 

Other benefits include:

• A less expensive treatment option for replacing multiple missing teeth
• Convenience for those who do not have the bone density in their jaw to support a single implant restoration 
• Restoration of full chewing function
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Improved quality of life and self-esteem

Why All-on-4 is a Better Option Than Traditional Implants

Traditional dental implants require several surgical procedures. During a dental implant procedure, traditional implants are placed within the jawbone. Once the implants are placed, the jaw's bone takes between three to six months for the gums to heal. Once the implants are integrated with the jawbone, it acts as a replacement for the missing tooth. A second surgery is necessary to attach the dental crown to the abutment. 

For patients who are missing the top row of teeth or bottom and top rows of teeth, All-on-4 dental implants have significant advantages over traditional dentures and traditional implants. All-on-4 is a premier implant treatment for replacing a full set of teeth on the upper or lower arch with less than half the implants needed in traditional implant dentistry. This treatment is also more cost-effective than replacing each tooth with separate implants. 

Rest Is Essential After Surgery 

After having All-on-4 dental implants placed, rest is critical to the recovery process. Focusing on resting will help ensure the jawbone, and gum tissue heals during the crucial early recovery phase. Avoid participating in any strenuous physical activity until after being cleared by your dentist or oral surgeon. 

Altering Your Diet

Altering your diet after having dental implants placed is an essential piece in reducing potential discomfort. We advise all patients to stick with a liquid and soft food only diet to avoid unnecessary chewing. Foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, and eggs are all great staples in your recovery. You should avoid crunchy and crispy foods in addition to any foods that produce small crumbs that can get trapped in the surgical sites. Do not use a drinking straw until your provider clears you since the suction can harm incision sites. 

Monitoring Your Healing With Follow-up Visits 

Patients typically experience some swelling, bleeding, bruising in the days after their surgery. Your All-on-4 implants should be cleaned by brushing and flossing twice daily, just like with natural teeth. During your implant recovery, your healing will also be closely monitored with follow-up visits, so it's essential to keep these scheduled appointments. 

If you're ready to learn more about dental implants and our unique and comprehensive treatment approach, contact Elite Dental & Denture PC today.