Smoking and dental implants have an intricate relationship. If you’re a smoker considering getting dental implants, it’s important to understand the impact smoking can have on your oral health and the success of dental implants.
In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of cigarette smoking on dental implants and explain the importance of quitting before investing in this life-changing procedure.
Table of Contents
- The Detrimental Effects of Smoking on Dental Implants
- Quit Smoking Before Dental Implants
- Help to Quit: Tactics and Resources
- Dental Implants Mesa, AZ
- FAQs About Smoking and Dental Implants
The Detrimental Effects of Smoking on Dental Implants
Smoking affects not only your overall health but also the outcome of your dental implants. Here are some ways smoking can have a negative impact on dental implant success.
- Delayed healing: Smoking reduces the blood flow to the tissues, resulting in a slower healing process. This can lead to an increased risk of infection, which may cause dental implant failure.
- Decreased bone density: Research has shown that smoking can lead to bone loss. When the jaw bone is weak, it cannot support the implant, which increases the risk of failure. For more information about bone density, read The Importance of Bone Density in Dental Implant Surgery.
- Impaired immune system: Smoking impairs the function of the immune system, which makes it difficult for your body to fight off infections and increases the risk of complications during the healing process.
- Peri-implantitis: Smoking has been linked to peri-implantitis – a condition where inflammation occurs around the implant, leading to bone loss and eventual implant failure.
- Gum disease: Smoking can increase your chances of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) which is a serious infection that can cause permanent damage to the soft and hard tissues in your mouth.
For more information about candidacy for dental implants, read Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? Here’s What You Need to Know.
The failure rate of implants in smokers is four times greater than non-smokers. Even light smoking after dental implant surgery can be detrimental to the success of your dental implants.
Quit Smoking Before Dental Implants
It’s essential to quit smoking before having dental implant surgery, as it can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.
One study found that the failure rate of dental implants in smokers was 15.8%, compared to just 1.4% in non-smokers. This shows a stark difference in success rates between the two groups and indicates that smoking can greatly increase the likelihood of implant failure.
Quitting smoking before implant surgery will provide multiple benefits, such as:
- Faster healing and fewer complications during the recovery process.
- Improved bone density, providing better support for the implant.
- Enhanced immune system function, allowing your body to fight off infections.
Help to Quit: Tactics and Resources
The road to quitting smoking can be challenging but rewarding, and there are many resources available to help you along the way.
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): NRT products, such as patches, gum, and lozenges, can help you manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Prescription medications: Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to assist you in quitting smoking, such as Chantix or Zyban.
- Counseling and support groups: Joining a support group or participating in individual counseling sessions can provide valuable emotional support and motivation to help you quit smoking.
- Smartphone apps and helplines: There are many apps designed to help smokers quit, as well as helplines like 1-800-QUIT-NOW or How To Quit Smoking.
Dental Implants Mesa, AZ
Understanding the impact of smoking on dental implants is essential when considering this treatment option. It’s crucial to quit smoking before investing in dental implants to ensure a successful outcome and avoid implant failure, infection, delayed healing, and other complications.
Make the commitment to quit smoking today, and give yourself the best chance of success with dental implants – a restored smile and improved quality of life. At AZ Max Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we specialize in dental implants and can help guide you through the process.
If you are searching for dental implants in Mesa, AZ, trust the experts at AZ Max. With four offices in the East Valley and one in Show Low, serving the Phoenix metro and White Mountain areas, we are well-equipped to meet all of your dental implant needs. Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Call (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form. If you are searching for dental implants near me, AZ Max has you covered.
FAQs About Smoking and Dental Implants
Smoking has been linked to delayed healing, decreased bone density, impaired immune system function and peri-implantitis. All of these factors can lead to implant failure and increased risk of complications during the recovery process.
To ensure a successful outcome, it is recommended that individuals abstain from smoking for a minimum of 4 weeks before and after implant placement. Ideally, you should quit smoking as this will increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Yes, vaping, e-cigarettes, and cannabis contain nicotine or other harmful chemicals, which can affect the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. It is best to abstain from all forms of smoking before and after dental implant surgery. Vaping and smoking also increases the risk of dry socket.