If you’re planning on undergoing a full mouth reconstruction to restore the health and function of your smile, you should make sure that you fully understand what will happen. In particular, you will want to have a clear idea of what to expect after certain treatments and what steps you’ll need to take in order to ensure everything goes smoothly. Below is an overview of what you should know when it comes to full mouth reconstruction recovery.
How Long Will Recovery Be?
The answer to this question depends on which treatments make up your full mouth reconstruction. For example, if you choose to get dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you will need to rest for at least a few days after the surgery, and it will typically take months for your jaw to fully heal. Your dentist will give you a reliable estimate of how long it will take to completely recover following certain procedures, allowing you to plan accordingly.
Will There Be Any Discomfort?
Certain treatments may result in soreness and swelling. These symptoms are only temporary and should eventually fade on their own. You can manage any discomfort you might be experiencing by taking ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter pain reliever. On top of that, you can reduce swelling by holding an ice pack over the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Note that if your discomfort lasts longer than expected or seems to be growing worse, you should call your dentist right away.
Will I Need to Change My Diet?
After dental implant placement and other complex procedures, you may be instructed to stay away from certain foods for a while. This typically includes foods that are particularly hard, crunchy, or hot. Until your mouth has sufficiently recovered, you might need to plan on only eating soft or liquid foods such as soup, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
Remember, one of the goals of a full mouth reconstruction is to restore your ability to bite and chew. Once your mouth has fully healed, you should be able to return to a normal diet.
How Should I Take Care of My Mouth?
After your full mouth reconstruction, you can brush and floss as you normally would (although you may need to wait 24 hours following certain procedures). That said, you will generally need to be extra gentle while cleaning around the area where your treatment was performed. Additionally, you may want to consider rinsing with salt water multiple times a day; this can help reduce the risk of an infection occurring while your mouth is healing.
If you still have any questions or concerns about what will happen after your full mouth reconstruction, be sure to let your dentist know. They’ll make sure that you have all the information you need to navigate the healing process and keep your recovery on track.
About the Author
Dr. Rhiannon B. Presley went to Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She holds membership with the Fort Worth District Dental Society, the Texas Association of Women Dentists, the ADA Advisory Circle, and various other organizations. At Bonds Ranch Family Dentistry, she offers personalized full mouth reconstructions to help patients in Fort Worth rebuild and revitalize their smiles. If you’re looking for a solution for your complex oral health issues, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Presley by visiting her website or calling (817) 242-5564.