If you have missing teeth, you’re probably weighing your options for replacing them; and you should know that when it comes to replacing lost pearly whites, All-on-4 dental implants are one of the best solutions available. These awesome implants can effectively restore your lost teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. However, you might have questions about the All-on-4 process, including specifics about the recovery period. Keep reading to learn more about how All-on-4 dental implants work and what you can expect during the recuperation process.
How Do All-on-4 Implants Work?
Traditional dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone through the gums. The posts are biocompatible and naturally fuse with your jawbone, providing an adequate amount of support to the replacement teeth. But All-on-4 implants work a little differently since they also utilize special load-bearing dentures. These dentures are attached to your implants on the very same day they’re implanted, where they provide a strong, interlocking connection between your dentures and your jawbone.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from All-on-4 Implant Surgery?
Unlike traditional dentures which may take up to 8 months of recovery and up to a year of adjustment time, All-on-4 implants don’t take as long to heal; in fact, most patients can return to their normal daily routines in as little as a few days after receiving All-on-4 implants, as one of the immediate benefits they come with is instant stability. But it’s important to note that you won’t be able to withstand the full force of biting and chewing until the implants have fully fused with your jawbone, which can take anywhere from three to six months.
Dentists typically recommend that patients take 2 or 3 days off from work to rest and recover, and if your job is physically taxing, you might need to take an additional day or two off. Intense physical activity can divert blood away from your surgical sites, which will only delay healing. That said, you should also avoid exercising and heavy lifting until your mouth has had the chance to heal.
Your dentist will also instruct you to follow a liquid and soft-foods diet for the first three months immediately following the procedure. This part of the recovery process is vital, as your implants are still integrating with your jaw and chewing hard or crunchy foods will disrupt and prevent your mouth from healing properly! You will also want to practice good oral hygiene moving forward, as long as you’re gentle, to ensure a clean and healthy mouth that can easily support your implants. And lastly, it’s imperative that you refrain from poor oral habits like smoking—this will only prolong the healing process!
Dental implants can completely change your life for the better, but only if they’re given the chance to do their job! That said, knowing what to expect while healing from All-on-4 implants can ensure that your recovery is smooth and translates into lasting and impressive results.
About the Practice
Jacksonville Dental Specialists has proudly served patients and families in the Jacksonville area under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Nawrocki and Dr. Richard Aguila for several years. The practice is pleased to offer many available services including All-on-4 implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (904) 323-0928.