Are you planning on restoring your smile with dental implants? Congratulations! This state-of-the-art tooth-replacement solution is widely regarded as the superior option. In fact, the unmatched durability, long lifespan, and lifelike look are just a few of the many reasons more than 500,000 choose them each year. But how long does it take to heal from dental implant surgery? It’s a fair question, especially if you want to get back to work quickly. Keep reading for the answer!
When You Can Go Back to Work After Dental Implant Surgery
While some patients choose to go back to work the following day, the timeline is ultimately up to you and your oral surgeon. For example, if you are only receiving one dental implant, then your recovery will likely be less intensive than a patient getting six. Ultimately, every case is different, but many patients return to work within a day or two.
The Importance of Your Recovery Period
If you love to be busy, recovering on the couch for 24+ hours may sound like a nightmare. However, it’s important to remember that proper healing is a crucial part of the long-term success of your dental implants. Underneath your gumline, the process of the implant fusing to your jawbone (also known as osseointegration) is taking place. So, while you may not feel anything thanks to the prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s important to be patient and give your body time to heal.
6 Tips for Healing from Dental Implant Surgery
Whether you decide to take one day off or an entire week, it’s important to follow all of your post-op instructions. While your oral surgeon will certainly give you a detailed list, here are a few general ones to abide by:
- Keep your mouth clean (your oral surgeon will guide you through how to do so)
- Stick to soft foods, like applesauce and yogurt
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t exercise
- Get plenty of rest
Dental implants are designed to rebuild your smile and bite for a lifetime. That’s why they are crafted from high-quality materials, like titanium and porcelain. With that being said, proper recovery is a crucial part of both their short and long-term success. Therefore, it’s important not to rush back to work. If you need some help determining how much time you should take off, talk to your oral surgeon!
About the Practice
Leading our team at South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are four phenomenal oral surgeons. Thanks to their extensive education, unmatched talent, and exceptional skill, they can help patients both near and far address tooth loss head-on. If you have a question about dental implant surgery, they are the experts to turn to. So, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment via our website or by phone at 561-743-8311.