The Aftermath of Dental Implant Surgery: When Can You Go Back to Work?

While the many benefits of dental implants certainly make them worth getting, there are a few things you will need to consider before the procedure. For example, you will typically need to take some time off in order to give your mouth a chance to recover. The question, then, is this: how long will it be before you can return to work? Here’s what every patient planning to have dental implants placed needs to know.

How Long Will You Need to Stay Home After Dental Implant Surgery?

The answer to this question can vary from case to case. Most people only need to take a day or two off. In fact, it’s not unheard of for some patients to be able to return to work the very next day after their dental implant surgery. However, some individuals require more recovery time than others.

There are a few factors that can influence the amount of time you will need to spend resting following your dental implant procedure:

• The Number of Implants Involved: People who only have one or two dental implant posts placed typically need less time to recover than those who receive three or more.
• Whether Bone Grafting is Needed: You may need to undergo bone grafting before you can receive dental implants. This can affect the total amount of time that you need to spend resting at home.
• Whether You Comply with Your Post-Op Instructions: Following any instructions you’re given after dental implant surgery is crucial for making sure the recovery process stays on schedule.

What Should You Do While Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery?

To ensure that you’re able to return to work as soon as possible, be sure to follow these tips while recovering from your dental implant surgery:

• Give yourself plenty of time to rest, and avoid overexerting yourself.
• Drink plenty of water in order to make sure that your body stays hydrated.
• To avoid an infection after your surgery, rinse with salt water up to four times a day.
• Plan on only eating soft foods for at least a couple of days. Stay away from anything hot or spicy for the time being.
• Be sure to keep practicing good oral hygiene. When you brush, be extra gentle around the dental implant site.
• Do not use any tobacco products while your mouth is still recovering.

Be sure to let the oral surgeon performing your dental implant placement know if you have any questions about the process. The more you know about what you can expect following dental implant surgery, the better you can prepare your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb went to the Baylor School of Dentistry and eventually earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery. He has more than 45 years of dental experience and is currently creating beautiful, healthy smiles at his practice in Odessa. When it comes to dental implants, he works with local specialists to ensure that his patients get the high-quality care they need. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb, visit his website or call (432) 367-4774.