Why you should Stop Smoking if you Want Implants

stop smokingApex, Raleigh, NC

Triangle Periodontics specializes in dental implants. If you have missing permanent teeth, an implant represents the best option available to replace that gap in your smile. Whether you need a single dental implant to replace one tooth or have more significant tooth loss that may require something like implant-supported dentures or the All-on-4 system, smoking can preclude you from receiving treatment. Today on the blog, your Apex implant dentist Dr. Otis Washington will share why stopping smoking is a necessity before you receive a dental implant.

Does smoking automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants?

No. However, it can preclude you from being a good candidate for implant dentistry. Whether you smoke or vape, you face a higher risk of complications, up to and including implant failure. The insertion of the implant screw itself is a surgical procedure and, like any type of surgery, smoking hinders the post-surgery healing process. This is because of the nicotine in tobacco or e-cigarettes, which constricts blood flow, and proper blood flow is crucial to proper and rapid healing from any surgery.

Other risks for an implant procedure associated with smoking include:

A higher risk of implant failure – Nicotine and the other chemicals that are contained in cigarettes make it more difficult for the implant screw to fuse with the jawbone. If this integration does not occur, the implant will fail.

Burning the tissues in your mouth – This can occur with smoking or vaping, and the burns  can thicken the outer layer of skin cells inside the mouth and damage salivary glands, making you more vulnerable to dry mouth and potentially harming your mouth’s natural ability to wash away potentially harmful bacteria.

Weakening your immune system – This limits your body’s ability to fight off infection, which could cause implant failure or require another oral surgery as part of the treatment.

Stop smoking before receiving an implant

We recommend that any patient who is considering implants quits smoking at least a couple of weeks before the implant procedure begins although, ideally, you should cease smoking about two months prior to receiving an implant. Once the implant screw is placed, we recommend that you allow yourself another two to three months to heal after the implant screw has been inserted into your jawbone. If you’re going to wait that long between cigarettes, why not just quit smoking altogether? You’ll be healthier and happier.

Dental implants in Apex, Cary and Raleigh in North Carolina

Regain your chewing ability and restore your smile through the dental implant services provided by Dr. Otis Washington at Triangle Periodontics. Remember, not every dentist is qualified to work with dental implants. The insertion of the implant screw itself is a surgical procedure, and only should be performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist with significant experience in implant dentistry. You can rest assured that Dr. Washington has the knowledge and experience to perform any procedure in the realm of implant dentistry. The first step in any implant procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Washington at Triangle Periodontics. Make your appointment at our office in Raleigh today by calling (919) 782-9536 or completing our contact form online.