All-on-4 dental implants

Medication

• Inform your oral and maxillofacial surgeon of any medications or natural products that you are taking.
• If you have been prescribed antibiotics, you should take them according to the instructions.
• Do not use aspirin or tablets containing aspirin during the week before your surgery, unless prescribed by your doctor for a specific medical condition.
• For women who are using birth control pills and taking antibiotics, be advised to use an additional method of birth control as antibiotics lessen the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
• If your surgeon has asked you to take medication before your treatment, take it with a small quantity of water one hour before your appointment.
• Do not take any other medications on the same day of your surgery without first consulting with your surgeon.

Clothing

• Wear loose-fitting clothes. You want to make sure that you are comfortable.
• For men and women: short sleeve shirts or blouses are preferred.

Immediately following surgery:

• You may rest for 15 to 30 minutes while in the clinic before you are ready to return home.
• If you have received intravenous sedation you must not drive for 12 to 24 hours afterwards.
• You must have a responsible adult accompanying you and taking you home.
• Please follow the instructions below regarding what to eat and how to care for your mouth after your treatment.

Medication

• Antibiotics are not routinely given and their use is limited to particular situations.
• Take your antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed. Please make sure to carefully follow the instructions given on the bottle.
• Start your pain medication as soon as you return home before the numbness completely wears off and continue using on a regular basis for the first 48 to 72 hours.
• Some pain medication will make you feel sleepy, so it is advised that you do not drive or operate machinery.

Head position

• If possible, use an extra pillow to elevate your head for the first two nights after your surgery to help reduce swelling.

Bleeding

• You can expect some bleeding 24 to 48 hours after your surgery.
• We will supply you with cotton sponges that should be folded into quarters, placed on the bleeding area, and gently bitten down on, applying steady pressure for 20 minutes.
• Refrain from spitting as this may promote bleeding.

Swelling

• After surgery, there is often mild swelling of the face and at times, bruising of the skin. Be assured that this is a normal part of the recovery process.
• Hold an ice pack to your face (30 minutes on and 30 minutes off) for the first 48 hours to reduce the swelling.
• You can expect the swelling to be the greatest within 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
  Swelling can last for 7 to 10 days.
• If the swelling disappears and then returns a few days later, please contact your surgeon immediately as this may be an indication of an infection.

Nutrition

• Eat a light diet, including soft foods such as yogurt, soup, milk products and Jell-O for the first few days.
• Progress to a normal diet as you are feeling more comfortable after 2-3 days.
• Avoid hot food and do not use a straw as this may lead to bleeding.

Smoking

• Please refrain from smoking, as it is known to diminish your capacity for healing by decreasing the blood supply to the surgical site.
• Smoking may increase your risk for the development of an infection or implant failure.

Hygiene

• Starting the day after surgery, a salt-water rinse (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) should be used after meals and before bedtime.
• You may brush your teeth as usual but should AVOID the areas of your mouth that were treated.
• You may be instructed to use a special mouthwash to keep the healing area clean.
• Brushing a treated site within the first week of surgery may induce bleeding and discomfort.
• Avoid commercial mouthwashes as they contain alcohol and can irritate the treated area.
• Gentle tooth brushing of the teeth and surgical site can be resumed within 7-10 days after surgery using a soft bristle brush.

Stitches

• Dissolving stitches: These are used for most operations. These normally begin to fall out 5 to 7 days after your treatment.
• Non-dissolving sutures: In some cases, non-dissolving sutures are needed and these must be removed within 10 to 14 days after treatment.

Dentures or Prosthesis

• It is important that you do not wear your old dentures or temporary prosthesis until your surgeon advises you to do so. They may also require adjustment.
• If they are inserted too early this could interfere with the healing process.

Physical Activity

• Normally, light physical activity (jogging, aerobic exercise) can be resumed 48 to 72 hours after your treatment.

Follow-up Appointments

• A member of our team will set up an appointment within 7 to 14 days after your surgery for us to check on your healing process.