Can I Still Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?

If you have missing teeth, you’re probably thinking about what your restoration options are—but have you considered dental implants? They’re the premier option for replacing lost teeth, as they’re able to perfectly replicate them in terms of look, feel, and functionality. That said, there are some things that can cause dental implant failure, such as smoking! Here’s more from your dentist about why smoking can actually prevent the success of your implants, along with some tips for preserving the integrity of them.

Why Can’t Smokers Get Dental Implants?

It’s a pretty well-known fact that smoking and using tobacco is bad for you—it isn’t just awful for your overall health, but it’s also quite detrimental to your oral health! It’s been linked to several serious conditions including tooth loss, gum disease, and even oral cancer. But the main problem with smoking is that it inhibits your mouth’s ability to properly heal.

So, if you receive dental implants and your implant sites aren’t allowed to heal, your implants have a significantly increased chance of failure! Not to mention, smoking also leaves your implant sites much more vulnerable to infection. Simply put, smoking will jeopardize your implants while they’re trying to heal, so you shouldn’t do it.

What About After Healing from Dental Implant Placement?

However, once your implant sites have fully healed, you aren’t out of the woods yet—smoking can still cause your implants to fail, so you should drop the habit for good. Patients who smoke after healing from their procedures are still twice as likely to experience dental implant failure than non-smokers. That said, dental implants are a fantastic reason to quit smoking for good, at least if you want your implants to last!

Tips for Preventing Dental Implant Failure

The best thing you can do to prevent implant failure is to never smoke or quit if you already do. You should also consider the following tips:

• Quit other unhealthy oral habits such as chewing on ice or using your teeth as tools.
• Brush your teeth and floss every day, and also use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Visit your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings.
• Eat a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet and drink plenty of water.
• Limit your sugar intake and reduce your consumption of processed foods.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems with tooth loss is that it often leads to additional missing teeth—but dental implants can help you to avoid this! That said, be sure that if you’re a smoker, you drop the habit; it’s certain to interfere with your implants’ success.

About the Practice

Souris Valley Dental Group proudly serves patients and families in the Minot, ND area under the leadership of five talented specialists: Dr. Mark Hildahl, Dr. Jerick Hensen, Dr. Kevin Brodersen, Dr. Joanna Brekhus, and Dr. Nicole Searcey. Together they combine several years of experience to provide patients with an exceptional level of dental care. The practice is pleased to offer many available services including dental implants. To schedule an appointment, please visit the practice’s website or give them a call: (701) 852-5595.