What to Expect the Day of Your All-on-4 Surgery

by Dr. Davide Romeo, Prosthodontist at Milano Dental Studio | Manhattan, NY

What to Expect the Day of Your All-on-4 Surgery

The day of your All-on-4 dental implant surgery isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a turning point. For many of our patients, it represents the moment they say goodbye to years of discomfort, insecurity, or frustration with removable dentures or failing teeth, and take the first step toward a new life with a confident, stable, and beautiful smile.

At Milano Dental Studio in Manhattan, our mission is to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and supported through every stage of your journey. Here’s a guide to what you can expect on this exciting day.

Preparing for Your All-on-4 Surgery

Before the transformation begins, it’s important to prepare properly—especially if you’re undergoing IV sedation, which allows for a relaxed and stress-free experience. You’ll receive detailed instructions from our team, but here’s a general overview:

THE NIGHT BEFORE:

  • No food or drink after midnight, unless otherwise directed by Dr. Romeo.
  • Take any prescribed medications as instructed.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the office—you won’t be able to leave on your own.

ON THE DAY OF SURGERY:

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves (to allow for IV access).
  • Do not wear jewelry, watch, contact lenses, makeup, or nail polish.
  • Refrain from smoking or using alcohol/recreational substances for at least 24 hours.

When You Arrive

You’ll be warmly welcomed by our team and settled into a calm, private surgical suite. Dr. Romeo will review your treatment plan with you one more time to ensure you feel confident and fully informed.

Before beginning the procedure, you’ll also meet with our dental anesthesiologist, who will perform a final health assessment and answer any last-minute questions you may have about the sedation process. Their priority is to ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Once everything is confirmed, the anesthesia provider will begin IV sedation. Most patients enter a deeply relaxed, dream-like state—still conscious, but completely at ease. You’ll be responsive, but typically won’t remember much about the procedure afterward.

The Surgery: Placing Your Dental Implants

Once you’re comfortable and sedated, Dr. Romeo begins the procedure with great precision:

  • Any remaining teeth scheduled for extraction are gently removed.
  • Four titanium dental implants are placed in strategic positions in the jaw: two near the front, and two angled in the back to maximize support.
  • Each step follows a digitally guided surgical plan tailored just for you.

Dr. Romeo will confirm that your implants are secure and ready to support the immediate temporary prosthesis—the same-day smile.

Same-Day Smile: Your Temporary Bridge

This is the exciting part. Before you leave the office, you’ll receive a custom-designed temporary bridge that is attached directly to your implants. It’s not removable like dentures—it’s fixed in place.

  • You’ll be able to smile, speak, and interact confidently right away.
  • The temporary bridge is lightweight and designed to support healing while still looking incredibly natural.
  • It’s based on advanced digital scans and your facial aesthetics, so even your temporary smile feels like “you.”

Recovery & Post-Op Care

After surgery, you’ll head home to rest and begin the healing process. Most patients experience only mild discomfort and return to light activity within a day or two.

Here’s what recovery looks like:

  • Use ice packs the day of surgery to reduce swelling.
  • Take antibiotics as prescribed, and pain medication as needed.
  • Stick to a soft food diet for the first few weeks—think smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, and pasta.
  • Rinse gently with chlorhexidine starting the day after surgery to help keep the area clean.
  • Avoid brushing near the surgical sites initially; our team will guide you through gentle hygiene steps.

What Comes Next?

As your implants heal and integrate with the jawbone over the next few months, Dr. Romeo will monitor your progress with follow-up visits. Once healing is complete, we’ll deliver your final All-on-4 restoration—stronger, more refined, and designed to last for many years.

Your final prosthesis will be:

  • Custom-fitted for ideal bite and speech
  • Crafted from long-lasting, high-quality materials (often zirconia, known for its strength and natural beauty)
  • Easy to maintain with proper care and routine hygiene

Questions? We’re Here for You

At Milano Dental Studio, we understand how important this decision is. That’s why Dr. Davide Romeo—a prosthodontist with over 20 years of experience—personally guides each patient from consultation to completion.
With honesty, precision, and personalized care, we’re here to help you through every step of the journey—so you can smile again with confidence.

Meet Your Expert in Smile Restoration: Dr. Davide Romeo

Dr. Davide Romeo is more than a provider—he’s a pioneer in full-arch implant rehabilitation. A specialist in prosthodontics, he has taught, researched, and published internationally on the All-on-4 concept. His reputation for precision, artistry, and compassionate care has made Milano Dental Studio a trusted destination for patients across New York and beyond.

With Dr. Romeo, you’re not just getting a set of teeth—you’re getting a partner in your journey back to health, confidence, and joy.

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