In recent years, dental implants have become the treatment of choice for patients with missing teeth. Of course, that’s not very surprising considering the number of incredible benefits they offer that you simply can’t get with traditional solutions like dentures and dental bridges. Even though dental implant surgery in Richardson is usually completed in a couple of hours, you may have to take a few days off of work to recover. Are you wondering how many days? Read on to learn which factors can influence your healing time and what you can do to ensure a smooth sailing recovery.
Which Factors Affect Healing Time?
Most patients feel fine shortly after dental implant surgery in Richardson, but the body still needs time to adjust. If you fail to let your body relax, you could prolong the healing process. It’s generally advised to take at least two days off from your usual routine to recover. However, the number of days needed can vary based on factors such as:
Number of Implants
Generally speaking, the more implants you receive, the more healing your body has to do. If you’re having more than two to three implants placed, you should plan on spending an additional day or two at home.
Bone Grafting
Patients with a weakened jawbone may need bone grafting before they can get dental implants. The preliminary procedure is designed to strengthen the area just enough to support implants. Although minor grafts won’t impact your timeline, complex ones can lengthen the process.
Medical Conditions
Pre-existing health problems like diabetes, a compromised immune system, and hormonal imbalances can cause slower healing rates. If you have any of these, you should plan on taking several days or even a week off from work after dental implant surgery in Richardson.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth recovery is by diligently following your oral surgeon’s post-op instructions. While some people’s guidelines will look different from others, here’s what you can typically expect:
- Keep your mouth as clean as possible
- Leave the blood clot forming over the surgical site untouched (avoid smoking, using a straw, spitting forcefully, and blowing your nose)
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and ease discomfort
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed
- Stick to a soft-food diet
After your procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will let you know how long you should wait to return to work. Recovery can take several days, but it’ll be worth every second once you’re able to put your new smile to use!
About the Practice
At Shwarts Family Dentistry, we’re passionate about providing top-tier dentistry for patients of all ages. Our goal is to help every patient achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you have any questions about your recovery from dental implant surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can make an appointment via our website or call (972) 525-9283.