A Comprehensive Solution for Tooth Replacement
Individuals who exercise regularly often wonder when they can resume sports activities after dental implant surgery. The first few days following dental implant surgery are critical for recovery. Starting exercise immediately after surgery can lead to problems such as bleeding, swelling, or loosening of the implant. The amount of rest required will vary depending on the intensity of your workout. Consulting your dentist about the type of exercise you do and resting accordingly will affect the success of your implant.
A blood clot forms in the implant site within the first 48–72 hours after implantation, and tissue healing begins. To ensure the success of the implant, this clot should not be disturbed. Therefore, activities that increase your heart rate or blood pressure during the first 3 days can cause the clot to shift and lead to bleeding. For this reason, complete rest is very important during the first few days. Three to five days after the implant, short, slow walks are generally safe. Walking supports blood circulation but does not put pressure on the implant site. Light stretching movements or breathing exercises can be performed. Be careful not to bend your head below heart level. Otherwise, pressure at the implant site may increase and cause throbbing. You should take care of your health during the first week and stay in contact with your dentist.
Returning to the gym too soon after getting implants can negatively impact the healing process. Weightlifting, cardio, and high-intensity workouts increase blood flow and pressure in the body. An implant that hasn't fully fused with the bone can easily loosen and cause discomfort, such as pain. After 10–14 days, patients can begin light exercise with their dentist's approval.
If you have had multiple implants or undergone an extensive procedure such as All-on-4, you should wait at least 3–4 weeks before starting moderate exercise. Healing takes longer in these patients.
When starting exercise, it is advisable to begin at a slow pace and with light weights.
Avoid high-intensity or contact sports such as running, boxing, football, or CrossFit for at least 5–6 weeks for the health of your implant. These types of activities both raise blood pressure and increase the risk of impact to the jaw area. Even a very minor blow to the jaw can cause implant to loosen or delay osseointegration. If you are involved in a sport with a risk of impact when you return to exercise, be sure to consult your dentist and follow their instructions.
Exercise is normally beneficial because it increases blood circulation. However, exercising immediately after surgery is not advisable as it may cause implant to loosen or become traumatised. Furthermore, the increased blood flow during exercise raises pressure in the capillaries around implant. This can lead to bleeding, swelling or throbbing pain.
After the procedure, the body needs energy to produce bone and soft tissue during the initial healing period. Excessive exertion diverts this energy and slows down healing. In some cases, the suture line may open, making it easier for bacteria to enter the area. This increases the risk of infection.
After 10 days, light exercise supports the healing process. Increased blood circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This benefit is only seen with light exercise started at the right time. The osseointegration process between implant and the jawbone takes an average of 3–6 months.
Therefore, during the osseointegration period, movement of implant, impact, or inflammation around it can negatively affect fusion. Be sure to obtain your dentist's approval before starting weight lifting or high-intensity training.
If more than one implant, bone graft, or sinus lift procedure is performed during surgery, the healing period will be longer. In such complex treatments, time is needed for the bone to regenerate and fully support the implant.
Early exercise jeopardises the stability of the implant. Patients who have had bone grafts should wait several months before engaging in activities such as running, jumping, or weight lifting. However, everyone's healing speed and lifestyle are different.
The process is slower in smokers, diabetics, or individuals with low bone density. Therefore, it is always best to follow your doctor's advice.
All articles on our website are written for informational purposes only. You should consult your dentist to choose the most appropriate treatment for you and follow your doctor's advice.
For dental treatments you wish to receive in Antalya, Turkey, please contact LD Clinic.
We wish you good health.