Can You Work After Dental Surgery? Recovery Timeline Explained

If you are recovering from or have just undergone dental surgery, you might be asking yourself when you can return to work. Regardless of whether the procedure was the removal of wisdom teeth, a root canal, or dental implant surgery, each one has its own recovery time. The ability to return to work following dental surgery is determined by several factors, including your work environment, how well you follow post-operative care instructions, the type of surgery performed, and, even more subjectively, your tolerance to pain. Let’s analyze all these factors so you know what to expect and when to safely resume your routine.

Effects of Dental Surgery and Their Influence

Dental surgery often ranges from simple tooth extractions to complex surgical procedures like bone grafting and placement of dental implants. While each form of surgery affects the body differently, there is one common factor: all dental surgeries involve some degree of trauma to the oral tissues. This normally results in some degree of swelling, bleeding, pain, and even restricted movement of the jaw, especially during the first one to three days after the surgery.

Usage of local and general anesthesia is common in dental surgeries, and the effects of the anesthesia are persistent for a few hours. If sedation was involved, it is not unusual to feel groggy, weak, or even nauseated upon waking up. These immediate side effects alone warrant taking the day off to spend the time resting. 

When Can You Return To Work?

In general, it is recommended that people take at least a full day off after dental surgery. If your job includes a lot of demanding physical movement, then you may need to extend this period. If you don’t feel well, it is advisable to take 2 to 3 days off. Here is a brief timeline for the most common dental surgeries:  

Surgery: Tooth Extraction (Including Wisdom Teeth)

Mild extractions may allow for a return to work the next day if the pain is manageable with minimal swelling. However, it is recommended to take time off if additional teeth extractions were done or if impacted wisdom teeth were surgically removed. In general, you should expect to be swollen and uncomfortable for around 2-3 days.

Root Canal Treatment

While most people fear undergoing root canals, they are not as severe as surgical extractions. Most people go back to work on the same day or the next day, particularly if no sedation was used. Some soreness or sensitivity may occur, thus a light day at work is best it possible.

Dental Implants

Because an incision is made on the jaw implant surgery is more invasive, requiring an additional 2–3 days of recovery before one can return back to work. It is normal to have swelling and discomfort, with some individuals developing mild bruising around the jaw or cheeks. If your occupation involves manual labor or heavy lifting, longer recovery is more prudent in order to avert complications like bleeding or delayed healing.

Gum Surgery or Bone Grafting

These procedures have a longer recovery time. Up to 3-5 days off is required especially if stitches are involved or if pain is felt whilst eating or talking. Check-up appointments are also part of the recovery plan so make sure to align your work routine accordingly. This will help in replace missing teeth.

What Type of Work Do You Do?

The type of work you do will influence how soon you can return to work. An office job or any remote position that allows for rest and limited physical activity can result in a faster recovery time. Alternatively, high activity, physically demanding work with a lot of social interaction may require a longer break. 

For instance, someone with a desk job may return in one or two days, while a construction worker or fitness trainer may take several days to regain full function. Remember, any activity that increases your heart rate soon after surgery can hinder recovery due to increased bleeding or swelling.

Recover Faster and Return to Your Activities with These Post-Surgery Suggestions

To expedite your recovery from work and make it easier, follow the orders given by your oral surgeon. Some of these may include:

• Reduction of the head should be elevated for the first 24-48 hours to minimize swelling.
• Using cold face compresses to help with pain and manage swelling.
• Avoiding hot, spicy, and crunchy foods which are irritating to the surgical site and sticking to softer foods.

Use pain medication as instructed, along with antibiotics and prescribed medications.

The Bottom Line

Your type of dental procedure, how quickly you recover, and the nature of work will all influence your decision of returning back to work after a dental surgery. While some individuals may return to work the very next day, others may take a few days to feel comfortable enough to carry out day-to-day activities. Remember to listen to your body, and the best advice is to follow your dentist and rest during the first crucial days after the surgery.

Take note, dental surgery is a medically invasive procedure and requires step-by-step recovery. This thinking enables faster reintegration into everyday life without unnecessary complications, additional stress. If you are still considering whether to take one more day off, give yourself a break. You’ll appreciate it.