How to Care for Your Immediate All-on-4 Prosthesis
by Dr. Davide Romeo, Prosthodontist at Milano Dental Studio | Manhattan, NY
After your All-on-4 surgery, you’ll leave Milano Dental Studio with a fixed, natural-looking temporary bridge attached to your dental implants. While this immediate prosthesis is not your final set of teeth, it plays a crucial role in your healing and sets the foundation for your long-term results.
To ensure a smooth recovery and preserve the success of your treatment, it’s essential to follow specific care instructions. Here’s how to protect your new smile during the healing phase.
1. Keep It Clean — Gently But Thoroughly
Your temporary bridge is fixed in place, meaning you can’t remove it for cleaning like a denture. However, bacteria and food debris can still collect around the gums and implants.
Daily hygiene tips:
Be gentle during this time—your tissues are still healing. As your recovery progresses, we will guide you in introducing more advanced hygiene tools, like a water flosser or specialty brushes, if needed.
2. Take Medications as Directed
Proper use of medications will help manage pain and prevent infection.
Use the following tools once a day:
3. Use Ice Packs the Day of Surgery
To help minimize swelling and discomfort:
4. Follow a Soft Food Diet
Your implants need time to integrate with the jawbone (a process called osseointegration). During this time, avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods that could stress the implants or damage the temporary prosthesis.
Stick to soft, nutritious foods for the first 6–8 weeks:
Dr. Romeo will guide you through each dietary phase until you’re ready for normal function.
5. Protect Your Prosthesis While You Sleep
If you tend to grind or clench your teeth (especially at night), let us know. Bruxism can place stress on the implants and prosthesis during this fragile phase.
We may recommend:
6. Keep Up with Your Follow-Up Appointments
Dr. Romeo will schedule regular post-op checkups to:
These appointments are critical. Do not skip them, even if everything feels fine.
7. Watch for Warning Signs
Mild swelling or soreness is normal after surgery, but contact our office right away if you notice:
Early intervention helps us prevent complications.
Final Thought: Temporary Doesn’t Mean “Optional”
While your immediate prosthesis is not your final smile, it is vital to your healing process. Taking care of it now ensures that your implants remain stable, your gums heal properly, and your final bridge fits beautifully when the time comes.
Need Support?
Our team at Milano Dental Studio in Manhattan is always here to guide you through every phase of your All-on-4 journey. If you have questions about cleaning techniques, product recommendations, or anything else—don’t hesitate to call us.
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.
