When Can You Return to Work after Dental Implant Surgery?

September 9, 2025

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Dental implant surgery is a relatively minor procedure, and most patients return to feeling normal within a relatively short period of time after their appointment. However, it is still important to listen to your body and take enough time to rest before you go back to your normal activities, including work. Exactly how long should you wait before you return to your job? That really depends on your unique situation.

Some People Bounce Back Quickly

Some individuals are able to go back to work within one or two days of their surgery. This might be true of you if:

  • Your overall health is good.
  • You only need one or two implants.
  • You do not require a bone graft or any additional procedures at the same time as your implant surgery.
  • Your job does not require strenuous physical activity.

Some people with a fairly straightforward dental implant case choose to undergo surgery on a Thursday or Friday. Often, they can go right back to work on Monday!

You Might Need to Take Longer

Of course, there is a chance that you will need more than a day or two of rest before going back to work. This is often the case for individuals who receive several implants at once or who have underlying medical conditions that could affect their recovery. For example, if you are up in years or have diabetes, your body might take a bit longer to get to the point where you can ease into your normal routine.

Also, keep in mind that if you have a physically demanding job, you should not be too quick to return to it. A lot of exercise could slow down your body’s healing process and cause discomfort. You might need to take up to a full week off work.

Follow Post-Op Instructions, and Be Patient

Your oral surgery team will provide you with detailed post-op instructions and advice. Listen to them! These directions are designed to maximize your comfort and minimize your risk of complications. If you fully comply with directions and communicate with your care provider about any concerns you have, you will likely have a smooth recovery. You should be back to working hard before you know it!

Meet the Practice

At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy, our team is proud to provide advanced dental implant services. We strive to make the placement surgery as precise and minimally invasive as possible, so patients can get back to their normal activities as soon as circumstances allow. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our office at 832-353-1100.