When Can I Return to Work After Dental Implant Surgery?

If you are considering dental implants, you might also be wondering about the recovery process after surgery. How long before you can go back to work? What factors affect your recovery? Keep reading to learn from your implant dentist in Arlington what to expect during the days after dental implant surgery.

What Can Affect My Recovery Time?

Your ability to return to work after getting dental implants will be determined by a combination of these factors that are relevant to you:

Carrying Out Post-Op Instructions

After the procedure, your dentist will provide you with specific post-op instructions. It’s crucial that you follow them diligently, as it can minimize your recovery time! So, make sure you keep your mouth clean to prevent infection, follow the recommended diet, and avoid alcohol and tobacco. Otherwise, you could delay healing, cause infections, and affect the long-term success of your implants.

Number of Implants

Generally, the more implants you get, the more time you need to recover. If you’re only receiving 1-2 implants, you can expect an easier and shorter recovery, meaning you can return to work rather quickly. Conversely, if you’re receiving more than a few implants, you should consider taking 1-2 days off work to allow swelling, bruising, discomfort, and other side effects to subside.

Bone Grafting When Necessary

Did your dentist recommend a bone graft before you receive a dental implant? They might have done so because you don’t have sufficient bone in your jaw to support an implant. Although minor bone grafting is unlikely to extend your recovery time, more complex cases can.

Preexisting Medical Issues

If you have any preexisting medical issues, such as hormonal imbalance, a compromised immune system, or a history of substance abuse, you might experience a significantly delayed recovery time. Depending on your medical factors, you might want to wait several days or even a week following your surgery before returning to your day-to-day routine.

Don’t Return to Your Normal Routine Too Soon

It may surprise you to learn that dental implant surgery is a practically painless process. However, even if you feel physically fine shortly after the procedure, your body is still undergoing a significant adjustment before the implant is fully fused. Strenuous activity and overexertion can delay the healing process, causing increased swelling, throbbing, bleeding, and overall discomfort. Make sure you take it easy following your surgery and give your body time to rest. It’s a good idea to adjust your routine accordingly for a few days after the procedure to expedite a full recovery.

No tooth replacement option can match the benefits of dental implants. If you can avoid pushing yourself after your implant surgery with your Arlington dentist, it will help ensure that your recovery is rapid, and you can return to work as soon as possible.

About the Author

Dr. Prachi Shah earned her dental doctorate from New York University and she’s a member of the American Dental Association. She stays current on developments in the dental field through continuing education courses, and she holds certifications in pediatric advanced life support and level 1 and 2 oral sedation. If you are interested in dental implants, Dr. Shah can perform the entire treatment at her office location to replace any number of teeth for a lifetime, plus low-interest dental financing is available. You can schedule a consultation on her website or by calling (817) 860-2222.