Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. They work by replacing the roots of the missing teeth, resulting in a wide range of additional benefits, including stability, comfort, and longevity. Most healthy adults are good candidates for dental implants, but what if you are someone who smokes? Can you still get 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 make sure that your jawbone and gums are healthy enough to support dental implants. Some health problems 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 impact. You should be aware that you will still be at risk of future dental issues after your implants have healed because smoking can increase your rate of bone loss around the implants. This can accumulate over time.
Just because you smoke doesn’t mean that you can’t complete your smile 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 Baltimore Dental Arts, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Baltimore area. Thanks to our in-house specialists, the entire dental implant process can be completed at our practice. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (410) 372-0202.