If you’re missing one or more teeth, having them replaced is key to preventing oral health issues. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are an incredibly popular replacement option since they’re the only one that replaces the roots and crown of the tooth. Since dental implant surgery involves inserting them through the gums and into the jawbone, you will need time to recover. So you can make the necessary arrangements, read on to learn how long you will need to wait to go back to work after having implants placed.
When Can You Go Back to Work After Dental Implant Surgery?
The amount of time you’ll need to recover after dental implant surgery will depend on your situation. While some patients have no issue going back the day after the procedure, others require more time to rest and recover. Many patients start working again within a few days of surgery. How much time you take off from work will ultimately depend on what you and your implant surgeon decide is best for you.
The number of implants you have placed will also impact how much time you need to recover. Those who have a single dental implant placed can expect shorter recovery times than those having several teeth replaced.
The Importance of Your Recovery Period
Though it may be difficult for those who are used to doing a lot of running around, staying still and allowing yourself to heal after dental implant surgery is a crucial part of the recovery process. Spend at least the first 24 hours post-op resting. Osseointegration, which is the process by which the implants fuse with the bone in your jaw, is key to a successful procedure. Pushing yourself too hard too fast may cause osseointegration to fail, which can result in implant failure or other complications.
6 Tips for Healing from Dental Implant Surgery
Giving yourself enough time to recover isn’t the only thing you need to do after dental implant surgery. A things that will help you heal properly include:
- Eat soft foods – Do this for the first 10 to 14 days after dental implant surgery. This includes things like bananas, applesauce, and soup.
- Get plenty of sleep – Rest for seven to nine hours every night.
- Keep your mouth clean – Carefully brush twice per day and floss every night to avoid infection.
- Drink plenty of water – Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth.
- Don’t exercise too hard – Engaging in intense workouts may cause complications while healing from dental implant surgery.
- Avoid tobacco products – Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products may interfere with osseointegration.
The amount of time someone needs to recover after dental implant surgery will depend on the individual. Make to let yourself get plenty of rest so your new smile can heal correctly and look its best for years to come!
About the Practice
If you’re considering getting dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Robert J. Sanker leads a skilled team of Rockville oral health professionals who take pride in helping you achieve a smile you’re proud of. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanker or want to learn more about dental implant surgery, call his office at (301) 468-5566 or visit his website to get started.