When Can I Return to Work after a Dental Implant Procedure?

Receiving dental implants is a life-changing event. Since the process of placing dental implants does involve minor surgery, many people have questions on what to expect during their recovery. Every person’s treatment plan is unique and factors like the amount of dental implants, their locations, and a person’s unique oral anatomy affect a person’s expected recovery time. Patients, for the most part, can return to work within a few days of surgery, depending on their dentist’s recommendations.

What should I expect from the recovery process in general?

The recovery process after dental implantation is incredibly important. While patients incorporate their dentist’s instructions in their daily lives, their bodies are hard at work making sure that the dental implant stabilizes in the jawbone. The process of bone stabilizing to titanium (the metal used to construct dental implants) is called osseointegration; and this process is what makes dental implants the only prosthetic available that can mimic the function of the biological roots of teeth.

In reality, the recovery process involves patients taking good care of their oral health by performing thorough oral hygiene and adopting temporary dietary changes recommended by our team. Then, patients whose dental implants are stabilizing, will come to our practice frequently so that our oral surgeon can check on their progress.

Monitoring the progress of bone fusing to dental implants involves incremental follow-up appointments to our practice. These appointments will include a quick physical examination as well as diagnostics like X-rays to reveal the implant’s status. As the stabilization processes progresses, patients will begin to enjoy fewer dietary restrictions.

Will I be comfortable during and after treatment?

Maintaining a person’s comfort during and after treatment is very important to our staff. Anesthetics and other medications are administered when appropriate to promote relaxing and gentle experiences during treatment. After a procedure, over the counter pain relievers and prescription medications may be used (as directed by our surgeon) to control swelling and discomfort.

Living without a tooth – and in some cases multiple teeth – is very difficult. Fortunately, dental implants present a long-lasting, durable treatment option that is incredibly lifelike. If you have questions about your treatment options, call Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery to reserve a consultation with our team.