Undergoing All-on-X (AOX) dental implant surgery is a transformative step towards restoring your smile and functionality. Understanding the aftercare process is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes. Here, we’ll walk you through what to expect immediately after your surgery and throughout the healing period.
Immediate Post-Surgery Expectations
After your AOX procedure, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These are signs that your body has begun its natural healing process. Here’s what you should expect in the first few days:
- Rest: Take it easy for at least the first 24-48 hours. Avoid strenuous activities that could increase blood flow to the area and lead to additional swelling or bleeding.
- Cold Compresses: Apply ice packs on your cheek near the surgical site to help reduce swelling. Do this for about 15-20 minutes each hour for the first day.
- Medication: Your dentist will prescribe medication and provide instructions regarding dosage to manage pain and prevent infection.
- Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is vital. You may be advised to gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water or a special mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection without disturbing the surgical site.
Diet and Nutrition
In the weeks following your surgery, your diet will play a significant role in your recovery. For the first three months, you will need to stick to a soft diet, to avoid putting pressure on your new implants and to promote healing. Nutritious options like smoothies, broths, and meal replacement shakes can be beneficial. Your dentist will advise when you can transition to a normal diet, depending on your overall healing.
Regular Review Appointments
Regular check-ups are a key part of your aftercare. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor your healing and ensure the implants are integrating successfully with your jawbone, checking for infection and assessing overall healing. Once your implants have successfully integrated and the site has healed well, you will need to continue coming in for overall maintenance appointments for your prosthetic – which will be scheduled annually at an additional cost.
At Glenferrie Dental, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our team is here to ensure your recovery is as comfortable and successful as possible, helping you regain not just your smile, but a renewed quality of life. Remember, we’re just a call away to address any concerns or questions you might have during your recovery journey.