Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t achieve with dentures or dental bridges. Most healthy adults are good candidates for dental implants, but what if you are a smoker? Can you still benefit from dental implants? Here’s what you should know.
Can You Get Dental Implants If You Smoke?
Smoking doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants. However, it is important that you refrain from smoking for at least one week before and several months after the procedure. During your initial consultation, your dentist will assess your dental health to ensure that your jawbone and gums are healthy enough to support dental implants. Some health issues and medications can get in the way of the dental implant process, so it’s important to have a thorough evaluation ahead of time.
How Smoking Impacts Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant treatment relies on the ability of the titanium dental implant and your jawbone to fuse together in a process called osseointegration. Once this happens, the implant is anchored into the bone so it can support a stable replacement tooth. However, if you smoke during the healing period, it can negatively impact the osseointegration process and delay healing. This also increases your risk of infections and reduces dental implant success. The risk of dental implant failure and other complications is higher in smokers during the first few weeks after implant placement.
Can You Smoke After Getting Dental Implants?
You need to wait at least a few months after your dental implant placement procedure before you can smoke again. This will reduce your chances of ending up with an infection or failed implant. You should be aware that you will still be at higher risk of future dental issues after your dental implants have healed because smoking can increase your rate of bone loss. This can accumulate over time.
Just because you smoke doesn’t mean that you can’t replace your missing teeth with dental implants. To find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, schedule a consultation with your dentist. You will have your smile back in just a matter of time.
About the Practice
At Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas, Dr. Shayan Azimi and Dr. Jay Patel work together to treat patients in the Dallas area. They partner with some of Dallas’ most skilled oral surgeons so their patients can achieve the best possible results. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (469) 981-1700.