Tips for an Easy Recovery From Full Mouth Reconstruction

The mere thought of a full mouth reconstruction — a set of dental procedures that together restore the function, health, and aesthetics of your smile — can be exciting. After all, a full mouth reconstruction can give you the smile of your dreams. 

Full mouth reconstructions are customized to meet your needs. They can address missing teeth, damaged teeth, jaw pain due to malocclusion, unhealthy gums, and decayed teeth. Each person’s full mouth reconstruction looks different. 

For example, you might want fixed dentures to replace missing teeth, while another person might need a root canal, Invisalign ® aligners, and whitening treatments  — whatever combination of treatments you need to make your mouth healthy and beautiful.

 But what is recovery like? The recovery for a full mouth reconstruction can vary from person to person based on your overall health and how well you stick with your post-treatment plan. Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro provides you with specific recovery tips that focus on the dental procedures you have completed.

In general, these tips can help make your recovery as smooth as possible.

1. Follow Dr. Teodoro’s aftercare instructions

The most important tip — follow your aftercare instructions carefully! Our team provides detailed postprocedure guidelines specific to you and the procedures you had. These instructions may include medication schedules, cleaning techniques, and dietary recommendations. 

In some cases, you may be advised to avoid using straws (after an extraction) or to eat a soft-food diet. While these may seem like easy rules to “cheat on,” resist the temptation. Sticking with a soft food diet and avoiding straws can help you avoid complications like pain and dry sockets. 

If, at any time, you have questions about your after-instructions or medication schedules, don’t hesitate to give us a ring at 1-205-964-5743.

2. Stick with a soft food diet

In the days following your procedure, your mouth may be sensitive. Eat nutrient-rich foods like soups, smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed vegetables. Cottage cheese and soft canned fruit is a sweet but healthy snack option.

Foods that contain protein, vitamin C (which is especially good for gums), antioxidants, and other inflammatory phytonutrients can also help you heal. You can make a smoothie with protein powder, strawberries (for vitamin C), baby spinach, and milk of your choice to get all of these nutrients in one smoothie. 

Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could disrupt healing or damage new dental work.

3. Keep your mouth clean

Keeping your mouth clean is important every day of the year, but it’s even more important if you’ve just had dental work. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use nonalcoholic mouthwash if recommended. 

Be careful around sensitive areas and avoid flossing near temporary crowns or dental work unless instructed otherwise.

4. Manage discomfort

Some soreness or swelling is normal after full mouth reconstruction, particularly if you’ve had an extraction, a root canal, or a dental implant placed.

Dr. Teodoro may prescribe pain-relieving medication. You might also consider over-the-counter pain relief medication. Regardless of which type of medication you take, always take it as directed.

Depending on what procedure you’ve had, you may have some swelling. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheeks to help reduce swelling during the first 48 hours. You might find that facial ice packs — ones specially designed for face surgeries — are the most comfortable and stay in place with velcro straps.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Proper hydration promotes healing, and that’s true whether you’ve had oral surgery to place an implant or periodontal treatments.

Drinking plenty of water also helps reduce the risk of dry mouth, which can interfere with your recovery. During your recovery period, avoid alcoholic beverages. 

6. Be patient with the process

Healing after full mouth reconstruction varies from person to person. While the initial recovery may take a few weeks, full adjustment to your new smile might require more time. This is especially true if you’re learning to eat with dentures. Give yourself grace as you learn! 

Keep in mind that you might also have several steps in your full mouth reconstruction. Trust the process!

Is a full mouth reconstruction right for you?

You might consider a full mouth reconstruction if you have several dental concerns and would like to combine several treatments — anything from periodontal therapy to veneers to orthodontics to implants — to give yourself a smile makeover.

To find out what combination is best suited for you,  use our online scheduling system or call 510-254-3328  to book your full mouth reconstruction consultation.