Any health professional will tell you that you’re not doing yourself any favors by smoking, but what would your dentist say if you wanted to get dental implants? Does smoking rule out the possibility? No, not necessarily. However, it can increase your risk of complications and make successful healing more challenging.
How Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small posts placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once an implant is placed, the surrounding bone must heal and integrate with the implant through a process called osseointegration. Smoking can interfere with this process in several ways.
First, nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gums and other oral tissues. This can limit the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing after implant surgery. Tobacco smoke can also impair immune function, making it harder for your body to fight infection.
Additionally, smoking increases your risk of gum disease, which can damage the tissues supporting your implants. These factors can increase the likelihood of implant failure and complications after surgery.
Can Smokers Still Get Dental Implants?
Yes, many people who smoke can still receive dental implants. However, your dentist will need to evaluate your overall oral health, medical history, bone density, and smoking habits before recommending treatment.
If you have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone, you may still be a suitable candidate. If gum disease or bone loss is present, those problems may need to be addressed before implant placement.
Your dental provider will also discuss the increased risks associated with smoking and explain what you can do to improve your chances of success.
Should You Quit Smoking Before Implant Surgery?
Quitting smoking before dental implant surgery is one of the most beneficial steps you can take to support healing. Ideally, stop smoking several weeks before your procedure and remain smoke-free throughout recovery. Your dentist can recommend an appropriate timeline based on your treatment plan.
Avoiding smoking during the healing period is particularly important because the implant needs time to integrate with your jawbone. Even after healing, quitting can help protect your gums and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
If quitting completely feels difficult, talk with your healthcare provider about smoking cessation resources and strategies. Reducing smoking may help, but it does not eliminate the associated risks.
Protect Your Investment with Good Oral Hygiene
After receiving dental implants, brush twice daily, clean between your teeth and around your implant restorations, and attend regular dental checkups. Professional cleanings help your dentist monitor your gums and identify potential problems early.
Smoking can increase the risk of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that damages the tissues and bone surrounding an implant.
Schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your smoking habits, assess your candidacy, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
About the Author
Dr. Russell O’Connell has become a trusted provider in Califon by giving 100 percent of his attention to each patient encounter and building relationships on a foundation of trust. He was part of the inaugural class of the University of New England College of Dental Medicine. Since then, he’s completed extensive training that allows him to perform most specialty treatments in-house, including dental implants. Contact our team online or call (908) 832-2300.