How Soon After Dental Implant Surgery Can I Return to Work?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the name of the game. They’re able to completely restore a compromised smile and vastly improve the quality of your life. But if you’re interested in receiving them, you probably have questions concerning the recovery period and how long you’ll be out of commission. Here’s everything your dentist wants you to know about the dental implant recovery timeline along with some tips for ensuring that you get back to work quickly and without any complications.  

What Can Affect the Dental Implant Recovery Timeline?

When it comes to recovering from dental implant surgery, there are three main factors that heavily influence the expected timeline:

1. The number of implants being placed – If you’re only set to receive one or two implants, you can expect a shorter healing period—that’s fewer implant sites that need to heal! However, more implants can add additional time to your recovery.
2. Any additional surgeries or treatments – In some instances, bone tissue needs to be grafted to an implant site before the posts can be placed, to help fortify the jawbone. Bone grafts can increase the length of the recovery period, as can other necessary preparatory treatments like gum therapy or a tooth extraction.
3. The patient’s compliance to post-op instructions – After receiving your implants, you’ll be given instructions to follow to ensure that everything heals up normally. Following these guidelines closely is the best way to prevent problems or setbacks as your mouth heals.

When Can I Return to Work Following the Procedure?

Dental implant placement doesn’t take long, and in most cases, the procedure can be completed in a single afternoon. Many patients can return to work the following day, and few need more than two or so days to resume their normal routine. However, depending on the complexity of your procedure, your body’s healing capabilities, and any potential and unforeseen circumstances, this is subject to change.

Your dentist can give you a more accurate estimate of how long it will take for you to fully recover, based on your individual condition. But if you want to ensure a smooth and expedited recovery and lasting dental implant success, you should consider the following aftercare tips:

• Stick to a soft-food diet (applesauce, yogurt, protein shakes, smoothies, and more).
• Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products.
• Refrain from strenuous exercise and physical activity.
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
• Use painkillers and cold compresses to manage discomfort and inflammation.
• Follow any additional instructions and guidelines provided by your dentist.

Even though dental implant success rates are quite high (typically 95% – 98%), the days immediately following their placement are vital to their success! That said, taking your aftercare seriously will ensure that your implant sites heal without issue and you’re back in action in no time at all.

About the Author

Dr. John C. Tunnell has proudly served patients and families in the Dallas, TX area for several years. Dr. Tunnell received his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and is an active member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to arrange a consultation, feel free to contact his practice’s website or give them a call for assistance: (469) 202-9939.