When Can I Return to Work After Dental Implant Surgery?

When it comes to replacing lost teeth, few solutions are as effective as dental implants. 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 about the recovery period; after all, it is technically a surgical procedure! Here’s everything your dentist wants you to know about the healing period following implant placement, along with some tips for ensuring that you get back to work quickly and without issue.

What Can Affect the Recovery Time Following Dental Implant Surgery?

There are several factors that can influence how long it’ll take you to recover from implant surgery. Here are three of the main ones:

1. The number of implants being placed – If you’re only slated 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 days 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 detailed instructions to follow to ensure that everything heals up normally. Following these instructions closely is the best way to prevent problems or setbacks as your mouth heals.

When Can I Return to Work after the Procedure?

In most cases, dental implant placement doesn’t take very long, and 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. That said, 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.

How Can I Ensure a Smooth Aftercare Period?

If you want to ensure a smooth and streamlined recovery period, as well as lasting dental implant success, you should properly manage your aftercare and follow the instructions 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. Consider the following aftercare tips:

• Stick to a soft-foods 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.

You can expect to be out of commission for at least a day or two following your dental implant surgery. 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 Practice

The team at Albright Family Dental is honored to serve patients and families in the Everett, WA area. The practice is led by Dr. Jason Kaopua, who received his dental doctorate from the Oregon Health & Sciences University and has taken countless hours of continuing education in several fields. If you have any questions about dental implant surgery or the recovery timeline, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (425) 267-3333.