When can I return to work after dental implant surgery?

Receiving dental implants is a life changing experience. These durable replacement teeth can withstand the daily pressure and force of chewing food for decades, if not the rest of one’s life. Moreover, dental implants address the loss of an entire tooth by starting with a tooth’s roots. Receiving implants is an oral surgery and afterwards, patients will need to take off from work to rest. The amount of time needed to recover from any type of oral surgery varies from person to person. Normally with dental implant placement, patients should block out about three to four days to rest after their procedures. After embedding implants, our oral surgeons and team will provide detailed instructions on which foods to eat and how to minimize discomfort.

What makes dental implants unique?

Compared to traditional tooth replacement methods, dental implants are quite different. While dentures and bridges address the loss of the crowns of teeth, they do not replace a tooth’s roots. By overlooking the structure of teeth under the gums, patients tend to develop bone atrophy, which can substantially change the shape of the mouth and even lead to further tooth loss. A dental implant, however, will replace the roots of teeth with a biocompatible titanium base. Embedded into the jaw by an oral surgeon, bone will eventually fuse around the titanium base to stabilize it. After the bone stabilizes an implant, a prosthetic will be attached to complete the restoration of a lost tooth. Dental implants function very much like natural teeth. They are not removed for overnight soaking like dentures; instead they are cared for by brushing and flossing.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone who has lost one or more teeth should consult with dental professionals about dental implants. This is because dental implants support the entire oral health system and are the closest alternative to natural teeth available. Some health conditions and lifestyle choices can affect a patient’s candidacy for implants such as gum disease, diabetes, and smoking.

If you are interested in evaluating your tooth replacement options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team at Great River Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.