Full Mouth Reconstruction Recovery: Patient Healing Information
A full mouth reconstruction can address major dental health problems, restoring the overall health to your smile in the process. The recovery process from these dental procedures can be lengthy, but the end results are well worth it.
Full mouth reconstructions can vary in terms of the nature and extent of the work involved. Given this fact, it’s important to note that your recovery time from a procedure can vary. If multiple dental visits are required, there could be multiple recovery periods of varying length. During the consultation process, we will provide you with detailed information about your recovery and what it will entail. Below are some general healing guidelines about these involved procedures.
Taking Time Off from Work
Some major full mouth reconstruction procedures (such as oral surgery) may require you to take a day or a few days off from work to recover. The nature of your job duties can play a role in this as well. We will discuss the need for time off during the consultation process.
Your Diet After a Full Mouth Reconstruction
After a full mouth reconstruction, consider the following foods and beverages as you recover:
- Soft foods
- Room-temperature foods
- Simple smoothies
- Meal-replacement shakes
When possible, try to avoid chewing with the part of your mouth that was worked on. This is especially true of full mouth reconstructions that involve oral surgery.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid
Certain foods and beverages are a bad idea after you’ve undergone a full mouth reconstruction. This includes:
- Spicy foods
- Hot/cold foods and beverages
- Tough or chewy meats
- Crunchy or crumby foods
- Fruits with small seeds
- Alcoholic beverages
It’s also important to avoid the use of drinking straws after full mouth reconstruction. The suction created by the use of a drinking straw can undo sutures and reopen wounds, which results in serious complications.
Common Side Effects After Full Mouth Reconstruction
After a full mouth reconstruction, the following side effects are common:
- Pain and discomfort
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum sensitivity
- Light blood in the saliva
- Bruising along the gumline
- Swelling along the gums
- Tenderness along the face
Patients should notice an improvement in side effects from day to day as they recover.
How to Manage These Side Effects
Patients should avoid all strenuous physical activities and focus on rest and relaxation. Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco must be avoided as they can slow down recovery and lead to infection.
To manage pain and discomfort, take pain medications as directed. The pain after a procedure 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 Follow-Up Visits as Scheduled
Follow-up visits help ensure you are recovering properly. Be sure to attend all of these as scheduled.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
If you have an urgent dental care matter, it’s important that you contact the practice right away. We can address your concerns in a timely manner and help relieve severe side effects and prevent major complications.
Contact Tijuana Bariatrics
For more information about dental treatments and how they can help you, be sure to contact the team at Tijuana Bariatrics. We are here to offer expert dental care the improves your overall sense of wellness.
