Overview
The first two weeks after All-On-4 Plus® surgery are an important part of early recovery.
During this time, the gums and surrounding tissues begin to heal, while the implants need to be protected from unnecessary pressure.
In the first few days, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, tenderness or mild bleeding. Swelling often becomes more noticeable during the first 48 to 72 hours before gradually improving. Rest, cold compresses, head elevation and taking medication only as directed by your clinician may help manage this early stage.
From days 4 to 14, many patients begin to feel more comfortable. Bruising may start to fade, energy levels may improve and the mouth may start to feel less sensitive. Even if the surface tissues look better, the implants are still healing beneath the gums, so it is important to continue being careful.
Soft foods are recommended during this period to avoid placing too much pressure on the implants and prosthetic teeth. Gentle cleaning is also important, but the surgical areas should only be brushed or cleaned as recommended by your clinician. Recovery times vary between patients.
Age, systemic health, smoking status, the complexity of the procedure and how closely post-operative instructions are followed can all affect healing. Your All-On-4 Plus® clinician will guide you on what to expect and when to resume different activities.
Common Questions
Read commonly asked questions below regarding the first 14 days after the operation.
The first 72 hours are usually when you will experience the most side effects from surgery including swelling, tenderness and bruising and potentially bleeding. Rest is important during this early stage so take it easy. If you are in pain medication is available but should only be taken as directed by your clinician.
Yes. Swelling is part of the normal recovery and healing response after surgery and can also be worse if you have had Zygoma Implants. It is often at its worst on day 3 and starts to go down gradually after this. It often peaks within the first few days and then gradually begins to settle.
Bruising can differ depending on what type of implants you have had. Usually, patients who have had Zygoma implants can experience more bruising, don't panic, this is normal. It will usually go away between 1-2 weeks and change colour as it fades. As we mentioned this is normal, however you can contact your clinician if you are concerened.
During this stage, swelling may start to reduce, bruising may fade and energy levels may begin to improve. Even so, the implants and gums are still healing, so care is still needed.
No. Soft foods are usually recommended during the early healing phase. Hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy foods should be avoided completely.
Yes however you must be very gentle. Follow your clinician’s instructions on when and how to brush, rinse and clean around the implants.
This depends on your procedure, recovery and the type of work you do. Some patients may feel ready for light activity within the first two weeks, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should only be resumed when your clinician confirms it is safe to do so.
Contact your All-On-4 Plus® clinician if pain worsens, swelling increases, bleeding does not settle, your bridge feels loose, you develop signs of infection or your recovery does not feel right.