If you’re looking for dental care, you’ve likely heard of All-On-4 implants. People rave about their benefits, but many don’t know what happens after having them. Here are five all-on-4 implant aftercare tips to help with your recovery!
1. Take It Slow
The first six months post-surgery is the most critical period when recovering from an all-on-four implant procedure. You need to take it slow and listen to your dental team’s instructions for at least these first few months so that there are no complications and you can adequately recover from any surgery site discomfort or pain issues.
2. Use Ice
No one likes the feeling of an ice pack wrapped around their face, but it’s imperative to use ice after the surgery to help reduce swelling and keep your face at an average temperature. It can take longer to heal when your face is too hot or too cold, affecting your other recovery needs.
3. Use Lidocaine
Lidocaine is an essential ingredient you should use after All-On-4 implants, and it will help with any discomfort you might experience during recovery, as well as any pain you might feel from a hot or cold wound. This is a prescription drug, and it’s essential to use it only as prescribed by your dentist.
4. Watch How Much You Swallow
When you have All-On-4 put in place, you need to be careful not to open your mouth too wide or swallow too much food at once. Doing this can cause your new teeth to move or fall out of place, especially if they’re still healing.
5. Brush Your Teeth
After you recover from surgery, it’s essential to brush your teeth as you usually would so that you can maintain a healthy smile. Brush twice a day for two minutes using a medium-soft toothbrush to keep your new teeth healthy. This will ensure that you don’t detract from your new implants and make your smile look older.
6. Look for Tooth Damage
If you notice any marks or scratches on your teeth after having All-On-4 implants, speak with your dentist immediately. These should be treated as they can make your new teeth less successful and leave a scar that can alter their structure.
7. See a Dentist if Necessary
Although you should be able to continue seeing your average dentist while you recover, many people prefer to see one that is used to working with dental implants. You should find a new dentist after your first six months are up, and you must choose the best one for your specific needs.
8. Retain Your Dentures
If you have dentures before getting All-On-4 implant surgery, you may be concerned about whether or not you need them again now that they’re out of place. It’s a good idea to keep them around in case of complications. This is especially the case if your dentist recommends that you have a minor procedure done in the first few months after surgery.
9. Ask Questions
Ask your dentist or recovery specialist if you have any questions you can’t find answers to. They will be able to tell you more about how the implant process works and each step.
10. Keep Up on Routine Checks
Once a month, keep up on regular visits to your dentist and take note of your teeth’s condition. Suppose you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as some teeth loosening up or shifting in position by themselves. In that case, you must contact your dentist right away for an appointment that can address the issue as soon as possible. This will help return your teeth to standard and ensure a successful recovery. In conclusion, All-On-4 implants are unlike any denture you may have experienced. The process is a little more expansive than a traditional denture, and the recovery time can be longer. The above tips will, however, ensure the most successful outcome and keep you looking your best.