Are you planning to get All-on-4 implants to fill in the missing teeth and restore your smile? Then, you must be wondering, How Long Does It Take to Get Used to All-on-4 Dental Implants? Well, it takes a couple of months to feel comfortable. While there are many benefits to All-on-4 implants, the recovery process takes a lot of time.
Keep on reading to find out “How Long Does It Take to Get Used to All-on-4 Dental Implants?”
What are All-On-4 Dental Implants?
All-on-four dental implants provide a brand-new set of teeth using just four implants. This dental procedure addresses issues such as missing teeth, mouth structure deformities, uneven smiles, and speech impediments.
These fixed implants are surgically placed in the jaws to serve as a stable foundation for the replacement teeth. Dentists often recommend this procedure for individuals who suffer from tooth loss, dental decay, or periodontal disease.
Why Should You Use All-On-4 Implants Even with A Difficult Recovery Time?
There is no doubt that we have made incredible progress in the field of medical science. If you look a few years back, it was almost impossible to find a naturally looking teeth replacement option. But now, with All-On-Four dental implants, that’s changed.
These implants offer a reliable solution for various dental issues, from missing or loose teeth to severe gum diseases and persistent dental problems. They also help prevent jaw bone loss and degradation. Additionally, All-On-Four implants provide a permanent fix, and give lasting results to the patients.
So, How Long Does It Take to Get Used to All-on-4 Dental Implants? Let us divide the duration into various stages.
Stages of Getting Used to All-on-4 Dental Implants
Here are the stages:
Stage 1 Healing (First 2 Months)
Initial Days:
- You may experience discomfort, swelling, and bleeding.
- Eat soft foods and take prescribed pain medication as directed.
First Few Weeks:
- Slowly transition back to a regular diet.
- Avoid tough foods and strenuous activities.
- Practice gentle oral hygiene to promote healing.
Bone Healing (6-8 Weeks):
- Bone healing takes 6–8 weeks.
- Slowly reintroduce most activities and resume a normal diet as advised by your dentist or surgeon.
Stage 2 Adjustment (2+ Months)
Initial Adjustment:
- In the beginning, the teeth may feel bulky, and speaking or eating might feel unfamiliar. But, it is normal and improves with practice.
Continued Improvement:
- Discomfort and unusual sensations diminish within a few weeks as you get used to your All-on-4 implants.
Long-Term Comfort:
- After a month has passed, your All-on-4 implants should feel natural and comfortable.
- Regular dental checkups are important for monitoring the implant fit and bite alignment to have long-term comfort and functionality.
How to Care for your All-on-4 Implants in the long term?
Dietary Recommendations During Healing:
- Eat well-cooked soft food like vegetables, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soft fruits.
- Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as it can put extra pressure on the implant site.
- Eat lukewarm or cool liquids like soups, broths, and smoothies.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Manage Uneasiness at Home:
- Use pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Apply ice packs on the cheek around the implant site to reduce swelling.
- Prepare a salt water rinse by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with warm water.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
Additional Tips
- Brush and floss around the implant site to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Do not smoke, as it will delay the healing process.
- Schedule a regular appointment with the dentist to monitor the healing.
How To Reduce Pain During Recovery?
To create a strong foundation, the All-On-Four implants are initially attached to several smaller dental implants that are surgically placed into the gums and jawbone.
This process causes more discomfort compared to other implant procedures. Additionally, since the implants are inserted into the jawbone, the recovery time is expected to be longer than usual. It takes about four to six months for the jawbone to adapt to the implants and fully heal from the procedure.
If you choose immediate-load All-On-Four implants, you can start using your new dentures immediately after the surgery.
On the other hand, individuals who choose conventional implants need to wait for a recommended period to heal properly from the procedure. The duration of this healing period varies for each patient based on their specific dental condition, typically ranging from six months to a year.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to get used to all-on-4 implants? Adjusting to all-on-4 implants is a unique journey for each individual. You may feel some discomfort, but it will fade away with time and practice. You can expect your implants to feel natural and comfortable in the long run with patience and proper care.
Ready to explore the transformative benefits of All-on-4 implants?
Book an appointment online with First Class Smiles in Des Plaines, IL, and begin your journey to a beautiful, functional smile. New patients can call us at (847) 264-4152, while current patients can reach us at (847) 824-3536.
FAQ
Do All-On-4 Dental Implants Have a Long Healing Time?
The healing process for all-on-4 dental implants varies, but the initial healing phase typically lasts about 6–8 weeks. During this time, the implants begin integrating with the jawbone. Complete healing and integration take several months, but most people can resume their daily activities as early as possible.
Can I eat normally after getting All-on-4 implants?
It is advised to eat soft foods initially, and then you can return to a regular diet.
Are there any restrictions on activities after getting All-on-4 implants?
While challenging activities should be avoided during the initial healing period, most patients can gradually resume normal activities as they adapt to their implants.