When Can I Go Back to Work After Dental Implant Surgery?

If you need to replace a missing tooth, you won’t find a solution more lifelike than dental implants. Because they recreate the root structure of teeth that is located beneath the gumline, they look, feel, and function more like real teeth than dentures or bridges alone ever could. That said, they do require a minor surgical procedure. While dental implant surgery in Mount Dora can usually be completed in just a couple of hours, you may have to take a few days off of work to heal. How many days? It depends. Keep reading to find out some of the variables that could affect your recovery time.

Factors That Affect Healing Time After Dental Implant Surgery

You may feel physically fine shortly after your procedure, but your body needs time to adjust. Expending too much energy can prolong the healing process.

In general, most patients are advised to take at least two days off from their ordinary routines following surgery. However, your recovery period may vary based on factors like:

Number of Implants

The greater number of implants you receive, the more healing your body has to do. If you’re getting more than two or three implants, plan to spend an extra day or two at home.

Bone Grafting

If your jawbone has weakened after tooth loss, a bone graft can strengthen the area so that it can support implants. While minor bone grafts probably won’t impact your timeline, complex ones can lengthen the process.

Medical Conditions  

Pre-existing health issues, such as diabetes, a compromised immune system, or hormonal imbalances, can cause slower healing rates. Therefore, you should plan on taking several days or even a week off from work after getting dental implants in Mount Dora.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Following your oral surgeon’s post-op instructions is crucial in healing quickly. Some patients’ guidelines will look different from others, but as a rule of thumb, you should:

• Keep your mouth clean (you might be prescribed a special mouthwash).
• Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, spitting forcefully, or blowing your nose. These activities can dislodge the blood clot forming over the surgical site, delaying the healing process.
• Avoid strenuous exercise to prevent blood from being diverted away from the implant site.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
• Take pain medications as directed.
• Stick to a soft food diet.

Take All the Time You Need for Your Smile to Heal

In the end, it’s best to ask your dentist or oral surgeon about how long you should wait to return to work after dental implant surgery. You can also rely on past experiences if you’ve had oral surgery before. After all, you know your body better than anyone else!

Dental implant surgery is a major procedure, and recovery can take several days. Once you’re able to use your new teeth to the fullest, you’ll find that the healing process was absolutely worth it!  

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti is a family and cosmetic dentist in Mount Dora, FL with more than a decade of experience in the field of dentistry. To provide the best dental implant care possible, she partners with a network of specialists in the Lake County area. If you’d like to learn more about dental implants, contact Lacquaniti Dental at 352-383-8121.