Full Mouth Reconstruction Recovery: Healing After Major Dental Work
For major dental health problems, the best option is typically a full mouth reconstruction. Our Corpus Christi, TX restorative dentistry practice tailors that procedures to the patient to restore missing teeth, fix tooth fractures, improve periodontal health, and address major structural problems with the mouth.
As you might imagine, the healing process for a full mouth reconstruction can be rather involved. Let’s take a moment to consider the recovery process, offering guidelines on what patients can expect.
Keep in Mind: Healing Times Can Vary
The procedures performed during a full mouth reconstruction can vary, and sometimes the entire treatment will involve multiple steps and additional dental visits. Healing times, therefore, will vary, but we can offer some broad advice regarding the recovery process that should apply to most full mouth reconstruction patients.
Will I Need to Take Time Off from Work?
Full mouth reconstruction patients do not necessarily need to take time off from work after their procedure. Even after oral surgery is performed, it may be possible to return to work the next day. Major dental operations could result in a patient needing a day or two to recover before going back to their job.
What Can I Eat After a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
After full mouth reconstruction, we recommend that patients eat the following:
- Soft foods
- Room-temperature foods
- Simple smoothies
- Meal-replacement shakes
Do your best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth where dental work was done if possible.
What Foods and Beverages Should I Avoid?
Patients should avoid the following kinds of foods and beverages:
- Spicy foods
- Hot/cold foods and beverages
- Tough or chewy meats
- Crunchy or crumby foods
- Fruits with small seeds
- Alcohol
Patients who’ve undergone oral surgery should NOT use drinking straws until their dentist gives them the go ahead. The suction created by drinking straws can undo sutures and reopen surgical incisions.
Common Side Effects After Treatment
After a full mouth reconstruction, patients often experience the following side effects:
- Soreness
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum sensitivity
- Light blood in the saliva
- Bruising along the gumline
- Swelling along the gums
- Tenderness along parts of the face
Tips for Managing Side Effects
Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity and focus on resting in the days after their full mouth reconstruction. Tobacco products must be avoided as they can have a negative impact on the healing process.
To manage pain and discomfort, take pain killers as directed. Soreness can also be reduced by placing a cold compress covered by a cloth or towel against the face. Leave the cold compress on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then take the compress off your face for an equivalent amount of time before applying it again.
Attend All Follow-Up Visits as Scheduled
Following a full mouth reconstruction, patients will have multiple follow-up visits to monitor the recovery process. Be sure to attend all of these visits as scheduled. They may be part of a multi-step process to making your smile look great and be its healthiest.
What to Do In Case of an Emergency
If you notice any adverse side effects as you are healing, such as worsening pain or running a fever, be sure to speak with your dentist as soon as possible. These could be signs of a major complication the requires professional attention.
Contact an Experienced Dentist
For more information about full mouth reconstructions and how they can help you have a healthy and beautiful smile again, be sure to contact us. The entire team looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters in much greater detail.