Recovering From a Full Mouth Reconstruction

Getting an idea for what the recovery process will look like for one treatment is fairly simple, but doing the same for a full mouth reconstruction? That’s a completely different story! You’re not a dentist, after all, so it’s hard to know what to expect when you have several different treatments stacked on top of each other.

Fear not – this post will cover the three main things you should know. Keep reading so you can prepare for your full mouth reconstruction.

Post-Op Instructions

Rest assured, your dentist will provide you with detailed post-op instructions for each phase of your treatment. Some directions might be general enough to apply to all sorts of procedures, but others could be unique to a specific service, so it’s important to pay close attention to your dentist. You should also follow their instructions to a T! Skipping steps or failing to heed their advice could result in uncomfortable complications, a failed restoration, or a prolonged treatment time.

Here’s an example of some rules you might be expected to follow:

• No smoking
• Reduced alcohol consumption
• Avoiding eating or chewing with a specific tooth
• Avoiding foods that can trigger sensitivities
• Not participating in strenuous activities
• Getting plenty of rest

Healing

Your dentist should also be able to give you an estimate for how long it will take your mouth to heal from each individual procedure. Simple treatments like fillings and crowns generally have a short recovery time, and most patients can continue with life as usual within a day or two. More advanced treatments, like dental implants, could take months.

How quickly you heal will also depend on your unique biology and how well you follow your dentist’s instructions, so don’t rush, and take as much time as you need to recuperate.

Handling Discomfort

A full mouth reconstruction can be quite extensive, meaning your mouth is likely to feel sore after treatment – particularly if you undergo multiple procedures in the same day. Fortunately, post-op aches can often be managed from home! Here’s what you can do to promote a comfortable recovery:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary
• If possible, choose medicine that also reduces inflammation, like ibuprofen
• Apply a cold compress to numb a sore jaw
• Avoid touching or prodding the treatment area with your tongue
• Unless otherwise directed, continue to gently brush and floss your teeth
• Pay attention to any abnormal symptoms, and call your dentist ASAP if your pain worsens or continues for more than a week

Recovering from a full mouth reconstruction might involve more phases than if you were only receiving one dental treatment, but your dentist will be right beside you every step of the way. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your smile, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist!

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen has worked in the dental field for nearly 30 years, and has extensive training in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign treatments. His well-rounded experience makes him very skilled at seamlessly combining different procedures into a full mouth reconstruction. If you’d like a more specific idea of what to expect for your recovery, Dr. Hermen would be happy to meet with you for a consultation! To contact his office, call 405-621-2100.