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Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. They restore function, improve appearance, and help maintain jawbone health. However, patients who smoke often wonder if they are still candidates for dental implants. While smokers can receive dental implants in many cases, smoking can significantly impact the success and healing process. Understanding the risks can help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
How Smoking Affects Dental Implant Success
Smoking affects the body’s ability to heal by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. Proper healing is essential after dental implant surgery because the implant must fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. When blood circulation is reduced, the body may struggle to form a strong bond between the implant and bone.
Smoking also increases the risk of infection and inflammation around the implant site. This can lead to a condition called peri-implantitis, which damages the surrounding gum and bone tissue. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can cause implant failure and require removal of the implant.
Are Smokers Automatically Disqualified from Implants?
Smoking does not automatically prevent you from receiving dental implants, but it may increase the risk of complications. Many smokers successfully receive implants, especially when they follow their dentist’s instructions carefully and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Your dentist will evaluate your overall health, oral condition, and smoking habits before recommending implant treatment. In some cases, additional treatments such as bone grafting or periodontal therapy may be necessary to improve the chances of success.
How Reducing or Quitting Smoking Improves Outcomes
Quitting smoking, even temporarily, can significantly improve implant success rates. Many dental professionals recommend stopping smoking at least one to two weeks before implant surgery and avoiding tobacco during the healing process. The longer you avoid smoking, the better your body can heal and support the implant.
In addition to improving implant success, quitting smoking also benefits overall oral health. Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath, and oral cancer. Reducing or eliminating smoking can protect both your implants and your natural teeth.
Maintaining Dental Implants as a Smoker
If you smoke and receive dental implants, proper maintenance is critical. Brushing twice daily, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups help monitor implant health and prevent complications. Your dentist may also recommend more frequent cleanings to keep the implant area healthy.
Smokers can often receive dental implants, but smoking increases the risk of healing complications and implant failure. Working closely with your dentist, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and reducing or quitting smoking can greatly improve your chances of successful implant treatment and long-term oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Win Bell earned his DDS at Virginia Commonwealth University before completing a one-year general practice residency in Burlington, VT. Additionally, he has advanced dental implant training from the Triangle Dental Institute as well as extensive CEREC training from their headquarters in Charlotte. Interested in dental implants? If so, book an appointment online or call (919) 467-7360.