Thank you for choosing the Sydney Implant Institute to carry out your All-on-4 dental implant treatment.
If you’re not sure what to expect before, during or after your operation, have a read through our Surgeon Q&A guide featuring Dr Mark Braund to familiarise yourself with the dental implant process.
What will happen during my first consultation?
Our dental surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This may include performing an X-ray or hands-on evaluation of your jaw to ensure there is adequate soft tissue at the intended implant site. If there isn’t sufficient bone density, a variety of bone graft techniques to overcome this can be discussed.
You will also be taken through your tailored dental implant surgery plan, ensuring you know exactly what to expect before, during and after your dental implant placement and are happy with the quotation. This is your time to ask any questions.
What can I expect post-operation?
Patients will react and recover differently, but most likely will experience the following common symptoms:
Pain: Patients can take prescribed antibiotics and over-the-counter medication during the first seven to 10 days to alleviate any post-surgery swelling, bleeding or soreness. Pain levels will vary from mild to severe for different patients. So while some may only require taking pain relief for one week, others may need two.
Swelling: Swelling is a normal surgical issue and will peak at 48 hours before subsidising.
Bruising: Bruising is dependent on the type of procedure you have and can range from minor to severe levels for certain individuals. Patients taking blood thinners, aspirin or fish oil are more inclined to bruise.
Numbness: Temporary numbness will occur in the chin and jaw area due to stretched-out nerves in some procedures. It subsides quickly.
Lisping: This is because your mouth may be experiencing changes to teeth edges, positioning and gum shape, so it’s natural to allow for a short period for speech adjustment.
Can I drive after surgery?
Please do not expect to drive yourself home after undergoing an All-on-4 operation, as sedated patients should not drive for 12 to 24 hours post-surgery. We also do not like sending patients home in a taxi to an empty house. So if you cannot arrange transportation and someone to look after you, please alert our staff in advance and we will gladly make appropriate arrangements.
Why do I have to be on a soft diet?
Pressure should be reduced on your teeth during the first three-month healing period. This promotes successful integration, as excessive force can cause implants to fail integrating correctly.
How do I care for my new dental implants?
Dental implants are designed to function like your natural teeth. One of our staff members will provide you with instructions on how to clean and maintain your oral hygiene post-surgery. Eventually, you can clean your implants with the same care you would your normal teeth: twice-daily brushing and flossing, coupled with a biannual dental assessment.
What happens if I still experience pain after a few months?
Although this is quite uncommon, it may be due to an infection, failed osseointegration process or a loose implant. Either way, we need to investigate the cause at hand and would like you to schedule a consultation as soon as possible to rectify the problem.
