All-on-X lets you replace all of your missing teeth with a strategic number of dental implants. You will need to undergo surgery in order to have the implant posts inserted into your jaw; after that, your mouth will need some time to heal. You may be somewhat nervous about the recovery process, but if you know what to expect, you can start planning ahead. Here’s what all patients should keep in mind when it comes to All-on-X recovery.
Initial Healing
You’ll need to spend some time resting at home following your All-on-X surgery. Ordinarily, you’ll be able to return to your normal routine after just a few days, but the exact timeline can vary depending on the patient.
It’s important to avoid irritating the surgical site while your mouth is trying to heal. To that end, you should make a point of not touching the area where the surgery was performed. Additionally, it’s best not to rinse with water during the first 24 hours; however, in the days after that, you can rinse with salt water as many as three times a day to help with bleeding.
You can still brush your teeth while your mouth is recovering; in fact, it’s recommended that you do so for the sake of your oral health. However, you will need to be very gentle when you’re cleaning around the area where the implant posts were placed.
Diet
While All-on-X will ultimately make it possible for you to enjoy virtually any kind of food again, it’s important to be careful regarding what you eat for a while after the implant posts are placed. Patients typically need to stick to a diet of soft and liquid foods for about three months following the surgery. Foods you can eat during this time include scrambled eggs, yogurt, soup that isn’t too hot, and mashed potatoes.
Total Healing Time
The healing period after All-on-X typically takes a matter of weeks, and it can take months for the implant posts to finish fusing with the jawbone. Over time, any side effects of the surgery (such as discomfort and swelling) should start to fade. If they seem to get worse instead, that is cause for concern; get in touch with your oral surgeon or prosthodontist immediately to see how they recommend handling the situation.
As long as you’re diligent about taking care of your mouth after All-on-X, you can avoid problems during the recovery process and look forward to the day when you’re able to put the finishing touches on your new smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ricciardi is an oral surgeon who has earned the distinction of becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. He’s an expert in replacing missing teeth with dental implants and is proud to be able to offer the All-on-X procedure as a solution for extensive tooth loss. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ricciardi at Smile Design Implant Centers in Reno, visit his website or call (775) 924-1871.