With many kinds of dental treatments, you’ll need to give your mouth time to heal afterward. The recovery process for full mouth reconstructions tends to vary from patient to patient due to the variety of procedures that may need to be performed. If you’re undergoing a full mouth reconstruction soon, you need to make sure that you’re properly prepared to take care of your smile afterward. Here is a very brief look at what recovery is like for some of the most common reconstruction treatments.
Dental Fillings
You won’t have any trouble carrying out your normal daily activities after having a filling placed, but you might notice a bit of discomfort or sensitivity for a while. It’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods for at least a couple of weeks, and you can take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen if you need to.
Crowns and Bridges
Once a crown or bridge has been attached to your natural teeth, you will likely experience some sensitivity or irritation for about 7 to 14 days. You can soothe your gums by rinsing with salt water periodically. Any discomfort should be mild. Again, over-the-counter medications can help (and are generally a good option for managing pain after many of the treatments listed here).
Root Canals
After a root canal has been performed, you should plan on heading home to rest. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to return to work the day after. While you’re recovering, keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. Rinsing with warm salt water can help you minimize the risk of infection after a root canal. Do not chew directly on the treated tooth until it has been restored with a crown.
Tooth Extraction
You may experience significant discomfort at the extraction site for about 3 to 4 days, and swelling can potentially last for up to 10 days. A blood clot will form where the tooth used to be. Said clot is important for the healing process, so avoid doing anything that might dislodge it, such as spitting or drinking through a straw.
Dental Implants
It’s recommended that you give yourself a day or two off work to rest after dental implant surgery. It will take several months for the implant posts to fuse with the jawbone, so you need to avoid putting too much pressure on them. As such, do not chew directly on the posts until a crown, bridge, or denture has been attached.
You may continue to brush your teeth like normal, but you need to avoid disturbing the dental implants, particularly if your mouth is still healing. Be very careful when cleaning around your implant posts.
Once your dentist has created your unique full mouth reconstruction plan, they can give you further instructions for taking care of your smile after each specific procedure. Remember, a successful recovery is just one of the stepping stones on the path to a healthier smile.
About the Practice
At Beck Dental Care of Columbia, we know that there’s a story behind every smile, and we’re ready to personalize our care for your unique situation. From dental implant placement to root canal therapy, we offer many services that can be used to rebuild even the most severely damaged smiles as part of a full mouth reconstruction. To schedule a consultation at our office, visit our website or call (931) 236-2141.