How Soon Can You Get Back to Work After Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental implants are by far one of the most popular forms of tooth replacement. Unlike dental bridges and dentures, these prosthetics must be surgically placed. As you think about how you want to restore your smile, you may begin to wonder how much time off from work will be necessary if you choose dental implants. Keep reading to discover what kind of timeframe you’ll need before returning to the office.

How Much Time is Necessary to Take Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?

Should you expect to return to work on the same day you receive your dental implants? No. Can you potentially go back to the office the following day? It’s possible. What your dentist must first determine are a few factors that will dictate how long you will need to stay at home and rest. Some of these include:

What type of job do you have?

If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work quite quickly after dental implant surgery. However, if your job is laborious and requires physical activity, you’ll likely need to take more time off. The reason is that you do not want to engage in strenuous work too soon, as it can negatively impact the healing process.

How many dental implants are you receiving?

If you only need one or two, you will likely be able to go back to work within a day or two. If you need a full arch replaced, you should expect to take off three to five days. This is why it’s recommended that you schedule your appointment toward the end of the workweek, so you have the weekend to also recover.

Do you need preliminary treatments?

If you lack the jawbone density to support your implants, you will need to take additional time off work for a bone graft. This is necessary, as you will need to thoroughly heal before having your implants put into place.

How well will you follow all post-operative instructions?

How soon you can return to work ultimately depends on how closely you follow the post-operative instructions your dentist provides. Getting plenty of rest, knowing what to eat and what to stay away from, and keeping your smile healthy are essential.

Adhering to these rules will ensure you are back to normal in less time.

Final Thoughts…

What is important for you to remember is that receiving dental implants is a process you do not want to rush. Your mouth needs to heal, so if you need to take additional time away from work to ensure you don’t develop any complications, do it.

The dental implant process requires much patience, but the results you achieve in the end make it all worth it.

About the Author
Dr. Stephen Wardlaw is an East Texas native who earned his dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1998. Forming I-20 Family Dental one year later alongside Dr. Ken Karger, he has provided exceptional oral healthcare to children, adults, and seniors alike. Capable of placing and restoring dental implants in-house, he ensures efficiency and convenience. If you want to replace your missing teeth with these prosthetics, contact us via our website or by calling (817) 572-5115.