Can You Get Dental Implants if You Smoke

Can You Get Dental Implants if You Smoke | Important to Know 

Can You Get Dental Implants if You Smoke? 

Yes, you can still get dental implants if you smoke, but smoking can increase the risk of complications and implant failure. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process after implant surgery by reducing blood flow to the gums and bone, delaying healing, and increasing the risk of infection.        

What is the Failure Rate of Dental Implants in Smokers?

The failure rate of dental implants in smokers is  6.5% to 20%. Research studies have indicated that smokers have a significantly increased risk of implant failure, with failure rates ranging from two to three times higher than non-smokers.

What is the Smoking and Dental Implant Success Rate  

The success rate of dental implants in smokers is notably lower compared to non-smokers. Research studies have shown that the success rate of dental implants in smokers is approximately 85% to 90%.

This means that smokers have a higher risk of implant failure, complications, and poorer long-term outcomes compared to non-smokers. Dentists always recommend smoking cessation or significant reduction before undergoing dental implant surgery to improve the chances of a successful outcome.

How Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants

Smoking can negatively affect dental implants. The following are the effects of smoking on dental implants:

  • Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and bone, slowing down the healing process after implant surgery.
  • It compromises the immune system which makes smokers more susceptible to infections around the implant site.
  • Smoking can impair the fusion of the implant with the jawbone, leading to delayed or incomplete osseointegration.
  • Smokers have a higher likelihood of experiencing complications such as peri-implantitis, bone loss, and implant failure compared to non-smokers.
  • Due to the above factors, dental implants in smokers can have a shorter lifespan and may require more frequent maintenance or replacement.         

How Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants

 

Can You Smoke With the Implant?     

It is not recommended to smoke after getting dental implants. Smoking can significantly increase the risk of implant failure. To optimize the success and longevity of dental implants, it is best to quit smoking or significantly reduce smoking before and after implant surgery.   

How Much Smoking Will Ruin a Bone Graft?  

Even small amounts of smoking can negatively affect a bone graft. Smoking restricts blood flow to the surgical site, impeding proper healing and integration of the graft with the surrounding bone. This can lead to graft failure. So, it is advisable to refrain from smoking entirely before and after a bone graft procedure to maximize the chances of successful outcomes and optimal bone regeneration.       

Can You Bite With a Dental Implant? 

Yes, you can bite and chew with a dental implant just like you would with natural teeth. Dental implants provide stability and strength for biting and chewing food.