Frequently asked questions about recovery

How long does it take to recover from an implant procedure (All-on-4 and for a single-implant case)?

With any surgery, the recovery period varies depending on the procedure and individual patient tolerances. For the All-On-4 procedure, the question can be answered as follows: 1) prescription pain medication is usually necessary for 2-3 days; 2) swelling associated with the procedure varies but usually peaks within 24-36 hours then steadily returns to normal in 3-5 days; 3) patients are often able to return to work 2-3 days following the surgery if facial swelling is not a concern; and 4) normal physical activity and exercise can also resume at about the same time based on personal tolerance.

For single implant cases, there is generally no swelling, a minimum of pain requiring pain medication the day of the procedure only, and patients are able to return to their normal routine the following day. In both cases, slight tenderness in the oral tissues may persist for 1-2 weeks as the tissues fully heal.
-- Dr. Sam RazookBack to top

How long will I need to recover?

For smaller cases, many people are able to go back to work the very next day. For larger cases, you may want to take a couple of days off to regain your full strength.

Although you will feel pretty normal after 4 to 6 days and will be able to resume all normal activities, we will ask you to be very careful for up to 6 weeks with the foods you eat. This does not mean that you will be eating only soft foods. Our doctors do recommend, however, that you avoid foods that are hard to bite or chew. As a general rule, if you can cut it with a fork, you will usually be OK. These first few weeks are the time needed for initial bone healing that will ensure that your bone is growing healthily around your new implants.
-- Dr. Robert VelascoBack to top

What is the total healing time for my gums after an implant procedure?

After your implants have been placed the wound in your gums will be closed with sutures. Your body will fuse together the sides of the incision within 10 days. It will take several months for your gums to totally heal and for all swelling to disappear. The initial healing time can be increased if you had extractions of your molars. It is almost impossible to decrease your healing time, but healing can be delayed if you smoke, eat poorly, do not clean your teeth properly, or if you have a controlled medical condition, such as diabetes.

-- Dr. Patrick PierreBack to top