Routine Recovery: Returning to Work After Dental Implants

Many people consider dental implants to be the ideal method for replacing missing teeth because of the unique advantages they provide. They’re the only restoration that’s inserted directly into your jawbone for added stability and strength. As a result, they have an incredibly high success rate of more than 95%, even 10 years after their initial placement.

However, it’s not uncommon to have questions about the procedure itself, and one recurring inquiry involves scheduling. It can be hard to fit your appointment into your calendar when you’re already busy with your job, family, and social activities. If you’re like countless others, you may be wondering how long you’ll need to take off work to undergo the surgery and have time to recover.

Keep reading to learn more about how long you’ll have to wait before you can get back to work!

How Long Does Implant Recovery Take?

There are a few different factors that impact how soon you’ll be able to return to your regular routine after your dental implant surgery, such as:

• The number of implants. Someone who only needs 1 or 2 titanium rods placed in their jaw will likely heal faster than someone getting 6 to 8.
• Following directions. Your dentist will provide post-op instructions to prevent potential complications that you should adhere to as carefully as possible to keep your recovery on track.
• Getting rest. It’s natural to have some aches and inflammation after your procedure, and engaging in strenuous activity will only exacerbate your discomfort. If your heart rate or pressure is elevated, it could dislodge the blood clot that must form over the incision site to heal effectively.
• Medications. Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic before your surgery to prevent discomfort. They may also use other drugs like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to help alleviate your anxiety. Laughing gas wears off almost immediately, but some sedatives don’t fully leave your system until the next day.

When Can I Return to Work After Dental Implant Surgery?

In many instances, patients can return to life as usual the day after their appointment. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, though, so that’s not always the case. For instance, if you require multiple restorations or have other medical conditions that impact your ability to heal, then you may need to take two or more days off to recuperate.  

If you’re having trouble determining how much time you will need, ask your dentist. They can give you an estimate based on your current oral condition.

Thankfully, it should take you no more than a few days to settle back into your standard schedule!

About the Practice

At Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill, you and your entire family benefit from two highly skilled dentists who offer a wide range of services under one roof. They take their time getting to know you and your history so that if you have an issue, they can provide fully individualized treatment plans. Plus, you’ll be able to trust that your smile is in good hands when you’re not being rushed through the process. They have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment required to perform your surgery in the office so that you don’t have to seek outside providers. If you’re missing teeth and are looking for replacements, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (615) 302-1414.