Getting dental implants in Cambridge is a process that can take several months, so it’s important to plan ahead. One detail that you’ll definitely need to consider is how soon you’ll be able to return to work after the implant posts are surgically inserted into your jaw. Naturally, your oral surgeon will be able to give you a reliable estimate after they’ve examined your mouth, but it does help to have a solid grasp on the factors that can affect recovery time and what you can generally expect.
What Affects Recovery Time After Implant Surgery?
Even if two patients are both getting dental implants, their circumstances may not be exactly the same, and as a result one might need more time to recover than the other. The amount of time before you can return to work will depend on:
- The Number of Implants Placed: People who only need one or two implants will need less time for recovery, but those who need three or more may want to plan on setting aside an extra day or two to rest at home.
- Whether Bone Grafting is Needed: If there’s not enough bone tissue in your jaw to support dental implants, bone grafting may need to be performed. If a bone grafting procedure is particularly complex, it can extend the amount of time needed for healing.
- Compliance to Post-Op Instructions: Your oral surgeon will give you specific post-op instructions for preventing infections and other complications. It’s important to follow these instructions as closely as possible; any complications that occur could end up adding to your recovery time.
How Long Will You Normally Need to Recover?
Most patients only need to take a day or two off after dental implant surgery. After that point, they can return to their normal routine. It’s important to be able to recognize any potential warning signs that your body is not quite back to full strength. If you still feel groggy or dizzy while performing regular activities, you should spend some more time resting. In many cases, these symptoms are a sign that any sedatives that were used during the surgery have not completely worn off yet, which means you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours after implant placement.
Note that pre-existing medical issues like a hormonal imbalance or a compromised immune system can significantly add to recovery time. Age, gender, and bone quality also need to be taken into account.
No matter how much time your implant dentist in Cambridge says you’ll need to recover, the most important thing is to avoid overexerting yourself until your body has healed to the point that you can go about your day as you normally would without issue.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee grew up in Youngstown, and he attended dental school at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. After his graduation in 1999, he went on to complete a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He is highly experienced in performing various kinds of oral surgery, including dental implant placement. If you have questions about your upcoming implants surgery or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee at Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery in Cambridge, visit his website or call (740) 432-8768.