Yes, smokers CAN get dental implants, but research from the National Library of Medicine suggests that implants placed in smokers have a higher risk of failure than implants placed in non-smokers. Smoking can affect the healing process and decrease the chances that your implant fuses with your jawbone.
With that being said, it’s best to quit or try to quit before considering dental implants.
Important Considerations for Smokers
It’s well known that smoking can lead to numerous health problems, but here are the main reasons you should try to quit before considering dental implants:
- Delayed healing — Nicotine restricts your blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients to your jawbone. This can slow your healing process.
- Higher complication rates — When you smoke, you’re more prone to infection, and this can cause issues with your implant success.
- Long-term concerns — Even if your implants heal successfully, smoking can decrease your jawbone density. Because your jawbone holds your implant in place, this could be a concern later on.
Looking for Dental Implants in Riverside, CA?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Norma Vasquez and her caring team will work with you to create a tooth replacement treatment plan and help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
To get started, we encourage you to contact our Madison Street office at (951) 352-0500 or our Riverview Drive office at (951) 683-0333.