Dental Implant Recovery: How Post-Surgery Healing Varies Between All-on-4 and 3 on 6

Let's be honest, when you think about getting a full set of new teeth, you're not just picturing the perfect smile. You're probably also wondering, "How much pain am I going to be in, and when will I feel normal again?"

It's a great question, and the answer depends on the type of procedure you choose. You've likely heard of All-on-4 and 3 on 6, and while the healing time on paper looks about the same, the day-to-day experience of recovering from them can be totally different.

Here, we'll break down what to expect so you know what the journey to your new smile really looks like.

Recovery for All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure

Recovered All-on-4 implant patient

All-on-4 is without a doubt one of the most traumatic smile restoration procedures. In the vast majority of cases, the dentist must perform an aveoloplasty, which involves grinding away the bone in the jaw to make space for the artificial gums that are on the prosthetic. If the patient has a gummy smile, the dentist may remove upwards of 10 millimeters of bone from their mouth. This is an important part of the treatment so that the transition from the fake gums to the patient's real gums doesn't show when they smile.

While this process is necessary for All-on-4 treatment, it is very traumatic. Patients often experience more pain and bruising than with other treatment options. Also, patients have a much harder time getting accustomed to the bulky prosthetic and loss of their natural gums.

The first one to two weeks after surgery are usually the most difficult. After that, most patients don't feel any pain at all. It takes three to four months for the implants to become fused to the bone in a process called osseointegration.

Recovery for 3 on 6 Dental Implant Surgery

The healing process for 3 on 6 is about the same as the All-on-4 dental implant recovery, with the exception of the extensive bruising. Because the bone in the mouth is preserved, not destroyed, 3 on 6 is far more gentle on the patient. This makes the healing process feel easier in general.

In addition, the 3 on 6 is easy for patients to get used to, because it feels like their natural teeth in their mouth. Healing isn't disrupted by the added frustration of a bulky prosthetic. Typically patients just use over-the-counter medications to handle the pain during the first two weeks after treatment.

Please follow the Post-Op care plan that will be given to you. 

Difference Between All-on-4 vs 3 on 6 Healing & Post-Surgery

Even though the healing time in weeks is about the same, what you feel after surgery is very different between All-on-4 and 3 on 6. This is because the surgeries themselves are not the same.

How the Surgery is Different:

All-on-4 surgery involves chipping a healthy bone. This is more challenging than 3 on 6 because your body doesn't have to heal from bone removal, just the small implant spots.

Your Temporary Teeth:

While you heal for months, you'll wear temporary teeth. For All-on-4, this is usually one big piece of denture that can feel bulky after restoration. With your temporaries, there is little to no room for adjustments, since it's one big piece of bridge with artificial gums. 

For 3 on 6, the temporary teeth are often three smaller bridges that feel more like real teeth. You'll be testing your temps for 3 months, and by then you can list what adjustments you'd like to have for your permanents!

Cleaning:

It can be hard to clean under the big, solid bridge of All-on-4 right from the start. Plus, the artificial gums that go with it make it even harder. It's pretty much impossible to clean it by yourself.

To clean under the gums, you will need to go back to your dentist and have it professionally removed. That's the big difference with 3on6 full-arch. Care and cleaning are easier because the bridges are separate, much like your natural teeth.

What to do after 3 on 6 and All-on-4 Dental Implant Surgery?

3 on 6 post op

After surgery, you are required to take a couple of days off from work. Bed rest and recovery are the most important things. Aside from avoiding strenuous activities, you also need to maintain good dental hygiene. 

Make sure to call your dentist right away if you think there is something serious going on. You can also search for other patients' opinions in the 3 on 6 Facebook Community.

But take note that dental surgery aftercare is important and should be followed strictly, as this is your way to success. 

Patient's Question: When is the dental implant pain at its worst?

Yes, pain and swelling are usually at their worst around the fourth day. This is usually when your sedation wears off. This is totally normal. It’s just your body’s way of healing. After the third day, you should start to feel better and better. Make sure to take your pain medicine on schedule during this time.

Patient's Question: Is it normal to get a bruised face after an all-on-4 implant surgery?

Yes, it's very normal to see bruises on your face after All-on-4 surgery. Dark areas mean there's bleeding under the skin. A big surgery that includes shaping your jawbone can cause bruises on your cheeks and chin. They might even move down your neck. The bruises will change color and fade away in a week or two. 

With the 3 on 6, there will be no bruises visible, a bit of swelling is expected as normal, but it should go down with a dental surgery face wrap and saltwater rinses. 

Bonus Recovery Wisdom: Real Tips from Real Patients

Your dentist has given you the clinical guide, but we've gathered super important, straight-from-the-source advice from patients who have successfully completed the recovery process. These simple, patient-tested tips helped them tremendously:

1. Rest Hard: Embrace "lazy couch potato mode" for the first couple of days. True rest is non-negotiable for healing.

2. Ice Constantly: Use ice packs as much as you can for at least three to four days straight to keep swelling down.

3. Sleep Elevated: Use extra pillows or a recliner to sleep with your head raised for the first few nights. This significantly reduces swelling.

4. Mind Your Back: When bending over or reaching, remember to bend at the knees, not at the waist, to avoid straining yourself.

5. Stay Ahead of the Pain: Take your prescribed pain medication as directed and alternate it (if advised by your doctor) to keep ahead of the pain. Don't wait until the pain hits hard.

6. Warm Salt Rinses: Begin warm salt water rinses after the first day to keep the area clean and aid the healing process.

7. Keep Your Throat Happy: Have a simple nasal spray handy. If your throat starts bothering you (often a side effect of post-surgery sedation), this can provide relief.

   
   

You're In Control of Your 3 on 6 or All-on-4 Dental Implant Recovery

Your journey to a new smile begins now. Remember, the key to a smooth and successful recovery isn't just the surgical skill (which is by these expert dentistry providers who can do both all-on-4 and 3 on 6). Your intentional commitment greatly helps your initial recovery process.

Follow your doctor's instructions, use this patient wisdom, and prioritize your body's need to rest.

You've made a great decision for your health and confidence; now, trust the process, be patient, and enjoy the start of your transformation!