Full Mouth Reconstruction Recovery
When a number of oral health issues are present at once, it can feel impossible to restore the health and beauty of the smile. Fortunately, full mouth reconstruction can do just that. Full mouth reconstruction combines restorative dentistry treatments to address a range of dental concerns so that patients can once again have a strong, functional, and beautiful smile.
Because multiple procedures are combined to complete full mouth reconstruction, it is more complicated than other restorative treatments. At Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen’s practice in Fountain Valley, CA, patients often wonder what full mouth reconstruction recovery will be like. Here, patients can learn what to expect in the days following their procedure.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
It is difficult to prepare patients for exactly how long full mouth reconstruction recovery will take. The length of recovery depends on a number of different factors, including which procedures are involved in full mouth reconstruction treatment, how carefully the patient follows post-treatment care instructions, and the rate at which the patient’s body naturally heals.
In general, full mouth reconstruction recovery does not take very long. Unless dental implants are placed, patients should be able to resume basic oral functions and routine activities almost immediately after treatment. And while our Fountain Valley patients may experience side effects following full mouth reconstruction, most are minor and should resolve within a few days to a week.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Side Effects
Just as the length of full mouth reconstruction recovery varies from one patient to another, so do the side effects of treatment. Full mouth reconstruction side effects depend largely on which procedures are combined during treatment. The most common side effects of full mouth reconstruction include:
- Pain
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Gum sensitivity or irritation
- Difficulty adjusting to dental restorations
Again, side effects of most restorative dentistry treatments tend to be minor, so patients can expect to feel noticeably better within just a few days of treatment. If any side effects linger beyond the anticipated recovery timeline, they should be reported to Dr. Mortensen so that complications can be ruled out, and necessary adjustments can be made.
Recovering from Full Mouth Reconstruction with Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most durable and reliable solution for tooth loss, so they are often included in full mouth reconstruction treatment for our Fountain Valley patients. If full mouth reconstruction involves dental implant treatment, patients can anticipate a longer recovery period.
Dental implant treatment takes place in several stages, and each stage of treatment requires a recovery period. First, the mouth is prepped for dental implant treatment (if needed), which may involve a bone graft. A bone graft strengthens the jaw so it can support dental implants. It typically takes a few months to recover from a bone graft.
When the patient is ready for treatment, dental implants will be placed. Implants are placed during an oral surgery procedure. After surgery, oral tissues need time to recover, and osseointegration must occur. Osseointegration is the process in which the implants fuse with the jawbone. It can take between four and nine months for osseointegration to occur so that we can proceed with treatment.
The final stages of dental implant treatment involve attaching metal posts, or abutments, to the dental implants. When abutments are placed, an incision is made in the gums. It usually takes around four to six weeks for the gums to heal so that restorations can be placed. After restorations are placed, recovery should be very similar to the full mouth reconstruction recovery discussed above.
Schedule an Appointment
If your smile has been compromised by multiple dental complications, you are likely an ideal candidate for full mouth reconstruction. To learn how full mouth reconstruction can restore the strength, function, and beauty of your smile, schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen by calling (714) 964-4183.
