If you’re a smoker or vaper and thinking about dental implants, you’ll be glad to know that you’re not out of options. While these activities can certainly affect your oral health, it doesn’t always mean implants are off the table. But there may need to be some concessions if you want your procedure to go off without a hitch. Continue reading to see how smoking and vaping affect dental implant success and what you can do to improve your chances.
Smoking, Vaping, and Your Mouth’s Healing Power
Dental implants need time to heal and fuse to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Smoking and vaping both interfere with this necessary step by:
- Reducing Blood Flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, slowing healing and increasing complications.
- Weakening Your Immune System: A lowered immune response makes infections more likely after surgery.
- Causing Gum Damage: Smoking and vaping both contribute to gum disease and bone loss, which can destabilize implants.
This means that vaping, often hailed as a “safe alternative to smoking,” carries many of the same risks as tobacco products. Nicotine is still present, and the chemicals that create the vapor can irritate your gums and delay healing.
Can You Still Get Implants if You Smoke or Vape?
You can, but success may take a little extra planning. Your dentist will need to check that you have healthy gums, good bone structure, and a willingness to follow strict post-op instructions.
While it’s best to quit these habits altogether for the sake of your implants, dentists understand it’s not that easy. Still, you may be asked to stop smoking or vaping before and after surgery, even if just temporarily. This is because even a short break can make a huge difference in how well your implant heals.
Additional Tips for Success
If you can manage a quick pause in your smoking habit, you can greatly boost your chances of success. This, combined with a few other preventive measures, will help you set yourself up for the process:
- Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Be Upfront with Your Dentist: They’re not here to judge, and being honest about your habits helps them build the best plan for your care.
- Go Back for All Follow-Ups: Post-op visits allow your dentist to catch and fix problems early, before they disrupt your treatment.
Smoking or vaping may complicate dental implants, but they don’t automatically disqualify you. With the right preparation and a dental team that understands your needs, you can still enjoy a confident, complete smile. If you’re ready to take the plunge, talk to your dentist today to learn what steps you can take to improve your odds of success and protect your investment.
About the Practice
At Hamilton Lakes Dentistry, our team of friendly dental experts has helped countless patients, even those who smoke, to achieve lasting smiles. Wherever your oral health is now, they can create a treatment plan that allows you to reach your vision. Call (630) 394-5567 to schedule a dental implant consultation with us or visit our website to explore a full menu of services.