When Will I Be Able to Work After Dental Implant Surgery?

If you need to replace one or several missing teeth, then dental implants are the most effective way to do so. Unlike other traditional restorations like dental bridges or dentures, your new smile will be directly anchored to your jawbone, providing you with 80% or more of your biting power! This treatment, however, does involve a minor oral surgery, which will need time to heal for it to be successful. So, how long will you have to wait until you can head back to work? Read on to learn the essential factors that can influence your recovery time after dental implant surgery.

Factor 1: Number of Implants

Do you only need one or multiple teeth replaced? While dental implants can rebuild any number of pearly whites, requiring more titanium posts will significantly impact how long your healing process will be. Your body will take less time to recover from receiving one or two implants compared to four or more during your procedure.

Factor 2: Bone Grafting

One of the most important components for dental implant success is that you have a healthy amount of jawbone. Without sufficient density, your restorations won’t have a stable enough foundation for a strong and natural bite. If you lack the necessary jawbone mass, you may need to undergo bone grafting, which will add and promote healthy tissue to support the metal posts. Should your dentist perform this during your dental implant surgery, it may increase the time it’ll take for you to heal afterward.

Factor 3: Overall Health

Your natural ability to heal will also determine how long your recovery process can be. Those who struggle with a weakened immune system or chronic infection may be more prone to a lengthy healing period, such as diabetes or heart disease. Your dentist will walk you through any health issues you might be facing that can affect your recovery and ways you can improve the situation.

Factor 4: Following Post-Op Instructions

Your dental team will provide you with detailed after-care instructions before your appointment and once your surgery is finished. These guidelines will include symptom management, pain medications, oral hygiene techniques, diet, and much more. You must stick to these instructions to the letter, as this can directly impact the speed at which you heal from your treatment.

Other than promoting a quick recovery process, you’ll want to ensure that your dental implant procedure is successful. Returning to work too soon can disrupt your healing, especially if your job is more physically demanding. By keeping these factors in mind and following your dentist’s after-care directions, you’ll be able to enjoy your new dental implants in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She’s also taken countless hours of continuing education to refine her skills so that her patients receive the care they deserve. She offers a wide array of advanced and comprehensive treatments, including dental implants. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, feel free to visit our website or call 860-236-4249.