Before you can have dental implants placed, your dentist will need to consider any factors that could influence your candidacy for the procedure. One particularly notable factor that needs to be taken into account is whether you smoke. It’s already well-known that using cigarettes can increase the chances of dental implants failing, but can it prevent you from getting them in the first place? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to smoking and dental implant placement.
How Smoking Can Cause Problems for Dental Implants
Smoking is known to have an adverse effect on the healing process following dental implant placement. The nicotine in cigarettes can limit blood flow to your gums, causing them to heal at a slower rate. Furthermore, research shows that smoking increases the chances of osseointegration failing; in other words, it can make it more difficult for the implant posts to form a lasting bond with the jawbone.
On top of that, smoking could indirectly cause problems for dental implants by making your mouth more susceptible to gum disease. This is a serious issue because gum disease is a leading cause of dental implant failure; when left untreated, it can damage your bone and gum tissues to the point where they can no longer provide your implant posts with the support they need.
Will Smoking Prevent You from Getting Dental Implants?
Fortunately, even if you smoke, it could still be possible for you to get dental implants. Your dentist can determine whether the treatment is right for you after examining your mouth and thinking about your oral health situation as a whole.
If you are found to be a viable candidate for dental implants, you should plan on staying away from cigarettes for a while before and after the surgery. This will help maximize the chances of a successful healing process. If you need help giving up smoking for any amount of time, you can try reaching out to your regular physician to see what resources they can point you toward.
In addition to avoiding cigarettes, you should also take steps to make sure that your mouth is as healthy as possible before your dental implant surgery. As such, you should make a point of brushing your teeth thoroughly at least two times every day. You should also floss to help remove plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach.
Even if you smoke, the many unique benefits that dental implants offer over other forms of tooth replacement can make them well worth pursuing. Talk to your dentist today to see if dental implants could be right for you.
About the Practice
At McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas, our dentists are able to offer truly high-quality care to all of our patients thanks to their years of experience and state-of-the-art technology. For your convenience, we’re proud to offer in-house dental implant placement, meaning there’s no need to refer you to an unfamiliar specialist across town for the procedure. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, you can schedule your first consultation with our team by visiting our website, using our online booking tool, or calling (760) 621-8700.
