How Smoking Can Affect Your Dental Implants Before, During, and After Placement

Dental implants are a breakthrough tooth replacement option. They mimic the appearance and structure of natural teeth much more closely than alternatives, and with a 90% success rate that holds up after ten years, they’re also cost effective. Despite these impressive qualities, there are a few things that can increase your risk of implant failure. Smoking is one of them!

If tobacco products are part of your daily routine, keep reading. You’ll want to be aware of what could happen when you smoke before, during, and after dental implant placement.

Effects of Smoking Before Dental Implants

The chemicals in tobacco products (primarily nicotine) can damage your oral tissues and bone. Smoking is especially associated with gum disease, which can weaken your gums if you contract it.

This is important to keep in mind because dental implants use all of these various oral systems for support. If your gums or jawbone have been damaged due to smoking complications, you may need prior treatments to ensure your dental implants won’t fall out.

Risks of Smoking During Recovery

You certainly wouldn’t want to damage your oral supports during your dental implant recovery, and on top of that, smoking also impairs your body’s natural healing process. Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow, which restricts blood flow and slows the transportation of oxygen and essential nutrients to wounded areas.

Basically, smoking could delay your recovery, and it’s very possible that your implants wouldn’t be able to properly integrate with your jawbone and other oral tissue.

What Could Happen if You Continue to Smoke

Because of these complications, dentists recommend that you quit tobacco in the weeks leading up to your dental implant surgery, as well as during your recovery. However, if you pick your smoking habits right back up after this period, you could still experience dental implant failure.

Smoking weakens your immune system, meaning you’ll be at greater risk of developing an infection or gum disease. Couple that with how nicotine impairs the healing process and aggravates gum disease, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Will I Be Able to Receive Dental Implants if I Smoke?

Technically, it is possible to receive dental implants even if you smoke. You might need prior treatment to fortify your jawbone or take care of gum disease, however, and it’s vital that you avoid tobacco during your post-op recovery. When you meet with your dentist for your consultation, let them know about your smoking habits. They’ll help you find ways to mitigate your risk of complications and do their best to promote smooth treatment!

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota and has well over 20 years of experience in dentistry. He wants to get to know you as well as your teeth, so if you’re worried about how your smoking habits might affect your dental implants, don’t hesitate to let him know. Dr. Heil will listen to your concerns judgment-free and help make sure your treatment goes smoothly! To contact his office, call 920-235-0320.