Quick answer
The short answer
Most All-on-4 patients have swelling and tenderness for 3–5 days, eat a soft diet for about 6 weeks while the implants integrate, and can usually fly home a few days after surgery with fixed temporary teeth. Final teeth are fitted about 3 months later.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Swelling and tenderness peak; cold compresses and prescribed pain relief |
| Day 3 | Temporary teeth fitted; swelling starts to settle |
| Week 1–2 | Back to most normal activities; soft diet |
| Week 2–6 | Soft diet continues while implants integrate |
| Month 3 | Second trip – final arch fitted |
What can I eat?
For the first weeks, choose foods you can cut with a fork:
- Soups, smoothies, yoghurt
- Mashed potato, scrambled eggs, pasta
- Soft fish
- Avoid: crusty bread, nuts, steak and anything hard or chewy until cleared
Flying home after All-on-4
Most patients fly home a few days after surgery, once the temporary teeth are fitted and checked. Your coordinator will confirm the best day for your flight in your plan.