Full Mouth Dental Implants Recovery Time
A long-term solution to missing teeth, full mouth dental implants will improve your quality of life and your self-confidence and self-esteem. From your initial consultation to the final placement of the permanent teeth, the process usually takes between three to five months, and much of that time includes time to heal. If you are considering full mouth dental implants, understand that recovery time can easily vary from person to person and will depend on some personal factors.
What to Expect After Surgery
A full mouth dental implant procedure is relatively simple. It still is a surgery, so it naturally takes time to recover properly. The implant process takes place in stages. After the initial evaluation and the development of your personal treatment plan, your dentist will surgically place tiny titanium posts into your jawbone. The number of implants depends on your plan. Then a temporary bridge will be placed while the posts are healing. You can return to work the day after this procedure, although for complete healing, your final teeth will not be placed for at least three months. For the first few days following surgery, you can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling and even minor bleeding. Over-the-counter pain reliever can help, and the discomfort will subside. The stitches in your gums will dissolve in a few days. You will likely need to eat softer foods for a week to 10 days. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions, and it is best to follow them to minimize your recovery time and lower your risk of any infection.
What Affects Recovery Time
Since everyone’s situation is different, it is difficult to specifically estimate your recovery time. Here are a few factors that can impact your post-surgery healing. Start with the number of post implanted. Full mouth dental implants usually replace all your upper and lower teeth. There may be exceptions, which affects healing time. There may be bone grafting necessary in a spot or two. This extends recovery time. Your personal dental health plays a huge role in your recovery. The more issues you have before your surgery, the more time you may need to heal. Then there are your personal habits. Unhealthy choices, such as smoking, poor daily oral hygiene or a lack of quality sleep, can prolong your recovery.
Tips for a Speedy Recovery
Make sure you follow all the instructions provided to you by your dentist. They may suggest you eat soft foods, and practice good oral hygiene, which includes normal brushing. They may suggest applying ice to control any swelling and to stop smoking for at least several weeks. They will advise on pain medicine and to watch for any fever, infection or swelling. Finally, do not miss your scheduled follow-up appointments.
Transformation that can Last a Lifetime
When you realize that full mouth dental implants can last for decades, a few days of discomfort following your procedure will make it worth it. Most people are back to normal within three days to a week, and many return to work the next day. Again, everyone heals at different rates. Follow your dentist’s instructions, listen to your body, and you will recover swiftly and enjoy your new smile.
