I’ve been waiting a while to get implants done, and I finally was able to get the procedure scheduled. I’ll be seeing my dentist on a Monday to start the work. I have a vacation planned that requires leaving the area later the same week on Friday. I’m curious, what is the recovery time? I anticipate some down time, but I’m beginning to wonder if I am giving myself enough time? Or is taking a vacation so soon after that kind of dental work a mistake? — Ryan
Ryan,
The answer to your question varies from individual to individual and from one procedure to the next. The downtime that you will experience after having dental implants placed depends on several factors, such as:
- How many you are having placed
- Where in the mouth are they are placed
- Whether or not you need bone grafting
The top arch of the mouth is usually a little slower to heal than the bottom because the bone type is different. If you’re having just one implant placed, you can likely resume normal activities and functions the next day. If you are having an entire arch done, you made need to take a few days as you will be sore and on pain medication. Should you have multiple teeth that need extracted prior to having implants done, that can take even longer for the soreness to subside. It also isn’t uncommon to experience swelling and puffiness after an implant procedure.
You may want to reconsider the idea of leaving the area so soon after implant surgery. What if you have an emergency and you are not able to see your dentist? What if you’re still in pain or discomfort? There are really too many variables to say, but I would discuss with your dentist your concern about post-op recovery time, and make an informed decision from there.
This blog post is brought to you by Des Moines cosmetic dentist, Dr. Phelan Thomas. For more information on the services he provides, please visit his Des Moines cosmetic dentist website.