Let’s start with a big question you’re probably wondering. “What will my mouth feel like after the procedure?” With the All-on-4® procedure, four implants support a set of zirconia teeth, but the location and placement of those implants varies from person to person according to bone loss and other factors. Most patients are amazed at how little discomfort they experience after surgery.
At our office, you will receive the smile you dreamed of within 24 hours. The initial provisional teeth usually require slight modifications as healing occurs.
Understanding The Healing Process
Healing takes place the gums and bone around the implants. Initial healing in the skin and gum tissues usually takes place within two weeks. “Osseointegration” describes the process of the bone forming around and securing the implants to your jaw. In other words, as your jaw heals, it actually holds the implants tightly in place, allowing the zirconia teeth to function much like real teeth.
Your health comes first, and we want to see the osseointegration process complete before we place your final zirconia teeth. This means we’re going to give you temporary teeth first while the implants become more stable. Because of this, you’ll need to limit your diet to softer foods at first to avoid placing too much pressure on the implants. We also highly recommend abstaining from tobacco products before the procedure and during the healing process since they can negatively impact your recovery.
Typically, the healing process will take 3 to 6 months. Your doctor will monitor your progress and let you know when they think it’s safe for you to resume a normal diet. At our office, this will also be the point at which your final teeth are fabricated and we will schedule an appointment to place them in your jaw. Similarly to how you adjusted to the feeling of your temporary teeth, you will also experience a period of adjusting to your zirconia teeth.
Partnering with Your Doctor
Other dental implant offices may make different recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. As you research and weigh different proposals, factor in what you think makes the most sense for your health and the long-term success of your implants.
You will be partnering with your doctor to make sure your implants and new teeth function properly for a long time. This means your doctor performs the procedure and puts together a treatment plan for you, but it is your responsibility to follow that plan and help ensure it succeeds. Your side of the partnership includes following dietary and tobacco restrictions, attending follow-up appointments, and talking to your doctor about any concerns you have during the healing process and beyond.
It’s also important for you to raise any known health issues or concerns before the procedure. Your doctor may need to know more about the potential impact of a particular health issue, such as diabetes for example. If so, they may require medical clearance for you to move forward. Medical clearance means that another healthcare provider will assess whether your overall health creates any risks or additional considerations for the procedure.
Remember that the adjustments mentioned earlier are normal, so you don’t need to raise concerns if things feel a little off at first. However, if you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to communicate it to your doctor’s office:
- significant or worsening pain
- persistent bleeding
- unusual swelling
- fever
- issues with or damage to your new teeth
- anything that feels significantly different than how your doctor described the recovery process
Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
Getting dental implants and zirconia is a serious investment. Understanding the recovery process and discussing it with your doctor will help you make choices that positively impact the long-term success of your treatment. And it will help minimize surprises because you’ll have clear expectations around what comes next. Remember, your doctor is your partner in helping you reach the goal of permanent, functional teeth.
Have more questions? Want to get started? Talk to us. We’re here to help.
With advanced training in Fixed Periodontal Prosthesis Prosthodontics from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Dr. Kerry Voit, DDS, brings over 40 years of experience. Dr. Voit combines expertise, compassion, and cutting-edge technology to help every patient smile with confidence.
