The full mouth reconstruction process involves undergoing multiple restorative procedures in order to address your specific dental issues. Following certain treatments, your mouth may need some time to recover. What can you normally expect during this period? And what do you need to do to ensure everything goes as planned? Here’s what you need to know about full mouth reconstruction recovery.
Recovery Timeline
One of the biggest questions you may have is, “How long will the recovery process be?” The answer depends on the specific treatment that was performed. For instance, if you have a dental crown placed, recovery will normally only take a few days. On the other hand, if you undergo dental implant surgery, you will typically be able to return to your normal routine within days, but it can take months for the jawbone to completely heal.
Once your dentist has determined which treatments will make up your full mouth reconstruction, they can give you an accurate idea of how long you can expect the recovery process to take.
Post-Treatment Discomfort
Sometimes there may be some soreness and swelling in the days following the treatment. You should be able to keep any discomfort under control with an over-the-counter pain reliever. On top of that, you can reduce swelling by holding an ice pack over the area. Remember, you should only use an ice pack for 15-minute intervals. Any discomfort should fade on its own after a while; if it grows worse instead, let your dentist know immediately.
Post-Treatment Oral Hygiene
Your dentist will give you instructions for taking care of your mouth while it’s healing. In many cases, they may advise rinsing with salt water to reduce swelling and help protect against bacteria. After the first 24 hours, you should be able to brush and floss like normal, but you will need to be careful around the treatment site.
Post-Treatment Diet
You may need to make a few adjustments to your diet following specific treatments. In general, you should plan on sticking to soft or liquid foods during the initial stages of your recovery. Once your mouth is feeling better, you can slowly start eating heartier foods again.
The healing process following a full mouth reconstruction will look different for every patient, but as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions and are mindful of the care you give your mouth, you can look forward to a successful recovery.
About the Author
Dr. Ashish Kakadia is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. He is currently a member of the Georgia Dental Association, the Spear Study Club, and a number of other professional organizations. At Roswell Modern Dentistry, he offers personalized full mouth reconstructions for patients with multiple oral health issues. If you think you may need a full mouth reconstruction, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kakadia by visiting his website or calling (770) 525-9140.
