The "Recovery" Phase: Permanent Dentures
The "All On 4" patient receives an interim implant-supported bridge, as the "provisional teeth" are placed onto the implants immediately following surgery — ONE-visit! The "All On 4" patient leaves the office with a new smile and renewed quality of life. Patients typically resume a full schedule of activities within 24 to 72 hours. Generally speaking, follow-up visits are 1, 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Specific post operative instructions will vary on a case by case basis. After sufficient healing (4 - 6 months), the final and permanent teeth will be attached to your implants giving you a lifetime of smiles (see "temporary teeth" & "final teeth" for more information).
Immediate function cases (when we attach the teeth to the implants the same day), patients should maintain a soft / medium diet to allow for the implants to heal properly. This diet should be followed for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. In other words, nuts, hard candy, ice and other hard foods are contraindicated.
A Typical Treatment Timeline
- Week 1 — Diagnostic Phase
- Week 3 — Surgery Phase
- Week 3 to 16 — Recovery Phase
- Week 16 — Restorative Phase
What To Eat After Surgery During The "Recovery" Phase
A modified diet is required until you receive your final fixed titanium reinforced framework. The time line will be determined by your clinician, but is normally about 4 to 6 months. In the mean time, you can eat anything that can be cut with a fork, and does not involve biting or tearing with your front teeth. Some examples are hamburgers, salmon, pasta, cooked vegetables, etc. Avoid hard foods and foods that require tearing such as hard breads, pizza, carrots, corn on the cob, steak, and crunchy and sticky snacks treats such as nuts, hard candy and gum.
Related Articles:
- Temporary Teeth: read more...
- Final Teeth: read more...
