Dental implants are widely recognized by both dentists and patients alike as the best way to replace missing teeth. Unlike dentures or a dental bridge, this modern tooth loss solution replaces the entire structure of a missing tooth from the roots to the crown. However, this unique placement requires a multi-step process that involves minor oral surgery. So how long should you plan to stay home from work while your mouth heals? Generally speaking, you’ll need to recover anywhere from one to two days to a week or so before. The nature of your job can also influence this timeline, as a physically demanding job will require more time off than an office job. Read on as we go over the most important factors that will determine how long your recovery period will be.
Factor 1: Bone Grafting
When a patient doesn’t have enough jawbone density to support a dental implant, a procedure known as a bone graft can help by adding the needed strength. Typically, if a patient needs a bone graft, it will be completed before having the implant placed. However, there are some cases where a bone graft can be performed during the dental implant surgery, which could increase how long it will take for you to fully heal after the surgery.
Factor 2: Number of Implants
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth. It’s important to keep in mind that the more dental implants you’re getting, the longer your recovery period will likely be. After all, it will take your body less time to heal after receiving one or two dental implants than getting four or more at one time.
Factor 3: Health Conditions
Your natural healing ability will undoubtedly play a role in how long it will take you to recover from dental implant surgery. For instance, patients with a compromised immune system or ongoing infection can interfere with how quickly your body can naturally heal. Your implant dentist will go over any health conditions you may have that could potentially influence your recovery time, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Factor 4: Following Post-Op Instructions
Directly after your dental implant surgery, your implant dentist will give you a list of post-operation instructions. It will go over topics such as pain medication, symptom management, diet and oral hygiene suggestions, and much more. It’s essential to follow these instructions and call your dentist with any questions you may have. Not only will this speed up the healing time considerably, but following the correct post-op instructions will help prevent dental implant failure.
Don’t Rush Your New Smile
No matter how anxious or excited you are to get your new teeth, it’s imperative that you give your body enough time to heal. Resting and proper post-op care after dental implant surgery will encourage the body to heal faster and the jawbone to fuse with the implant. If you return to work too soon after implant placement, you run the risk of increasing how long it takes for your mouth to be ready for the final step of your dental implant treatment. Or worse, it could set you behind schedule. Don’t’ rush your new smile: take it easy after your surgery and you’ll be enjoying your new dental implants in just a few months!
About the Practice
RP Dental & Implants is proud to help people of Lady Lake and the surrounding communities achieve the complete, confident, and healthy smiles they deserve. They’ve outfitted their office with the latest dental technology and their talented staff is available to provide a wide array of treatments, including dental implants. Should you have any questions or concerns before or after your dental implant surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out via our website or at (352) 750-0008. Our talented dentists will be happy to help!