How Long is the Recovery Time for All On 4 Dental Implants?

Our teeth are something we use every day. Any downtime that means you can’t chew or bite can cause serious disruptions to your everyday life. This is especially true when getting All On 4 Dental Implants.

All on 4 Dental Implants are a great option if you need to replace a whole row of teeth. However, because the process does involve some surgery, knowing how long the recovery period will be is important for planning.

If you’re considering All On 4 Dental Implants, knowing what to expect is important. Let’s lay out what the recovery process might look like for you.

Each Implant Procedure is Different

It’s hard to say the exact recovery time for an All On 4 Dental Implant procedure because every process is different. First, it will depend on if you need to have any extractions done before the process can begin.

If you have any unhealthy teeth, they will need to be removed. You’ll need to have a consultation with your dentist to determine what extractions need to be done. They will also assess your jaw bone to see if anything needs to be done before the implant is added.

If your jaw bone is healthy you can have the implant put in on the same day. However, if your dentist discovers any bone loss or infection, you might need to go through an additional bone grafting process to boost your bone strength before your implants can be added.

The total recovery time for your All On 4 Dental Implants will depend on what needs to be done beforehand. If you need to get a bone graft before the implants can be put in, your recovery period can be longer. However, if you have a healthy gum, your procedure will be faster.

Understanding the Dental Implant Recovery Process

The process of implanting the All On 4 Dental Implants is actually quite fast. You’ll leave the doctor’s office that day with a beautiful, natural looking smile. However, that doesn't mean you can leave the hospital and immediately start eating hard foods. As you recover, there are some things you’ll need to avoid.

For starters, things that could open your stitches need to be avoided as much as possible. If your stitches open, you'll need to go back to the hospital to have them taken care of. The more often this happens, the more delayed your recovery will be.

First, avoid smoking in any way. This includes tobacco, cannabis, or other products, such as vapes. Smoking can negatively impact your recovery and increase the failure rate of your dental implants. If your dental implants aren't successful, you'll need to go through the entire process over again.

You’ll also want to avoid any action that can cause pressure in your mouth. Things like blowing your nose or drinking through a straw can put too much pressure in your mouth and damage the tissue.

Strain on your gums or lips can also irritate the incision points and damage the stitches. This can make the recovery process longer. Avoid pulling on your lips or opening your mouth too wide. You should also avoid touching your stitches, as this could make them infected.

You’ll want to eat a diet of very soft or pureed foods. You should also avoid very hot foods. For at least the first two weeks, avoid solid foods entirely. At this point, your gums will be very sensitive and it might be too painful to chew.

Pay attention to how you feel. Don't rush the eating process. If you don't feel comfortable eating, continue with soft foods until you're feeling better. Don't rush your recovery process.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery looks different from person to person. For the most part, the recovery process is only about 4 weeks. However, it does take a bit longer than that to be back to full functionality. It will be about 6 months before you can return to eating all the foods you previously enjoyed.

When recovering from your All On 4 Dental Implant procedure, you need to be sure to follow all the instructions you’ve been given by your dentist. Your dentist can assist you through the entire recovery process to ensure it is as short and comfortable as possible.

If you have additional questions about the All On 4 Dental Implant recovery process, contact Los Angeles dentist Arman Torbati DDS.