Skip to main content

Smoking and Dental Implants

Can You Get Dental Implants in Green Bay?

While dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement, smoking can significantly impact the success of dental implants, leading to complications and reduced longevity. If you’re a smoker considering dental implants or already have them, understanding the risks and taking proactive steps is crucial for optimal oral health.

To learn how smoking affects dental implants, our dentist in Green Bay explains. Schedule an appointment at our dental office near you today by calling 920-367-8887.

man lighting a cigarette that's in his mouth

How Smoking Affects Dental Implants

Smoking, whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, or vaping, introduces harmful chemicals into your body that can compromise your oral health. Dental implants rely on a process called osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone to create a stable foundation for the artificial tooth. Smoking disrupts this process in several ways:

Are you ready to get started with dental implant treatment? Contact our Green Bay dentist today at 920-367-8887.

patient being shown what a dental implant looks like

Risks of Smoking Before and After Dental Implant Surgery

Before Surgery

Smoking before dental implant surgery can set the stage for complications:

Dentists often recommend quitting smoking at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery to improve blood flow, enhance healing, and reduce complications.

After Surgery

Smoking immediately after dental implant placement is particularly harmful:

Benefits of Quitting Smoking for Dental Implants

Improved Implant Success Rate

Non-smokers have a 95 to 98% implant success rate, compared to 80 to 90% for smokers. Quitting smoking aligns your success rate with that of non-smokers.

Faster Healing

Without nicotine and toxins slowing recovery, your surgical site will heal more quickly, reducing discomfort and complications.

Stronger Bones and Gums

Quitting smoking improves blood flow and oxygen delivery, promoting healthier bone and gum tissue. This strengthens the foundation for your implants.

Reduced Risk of Peri-Implantitis

By quitting, you lower your risk of infections like peri-implantitis, which can lead to implant failure.

Enhanced Overall Health

Quitting smoking reduces your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious conditions, improving your quality of life.

How to Quit Smoking

To learn if dental implants are right for you, contact our Green Bay dentist today at 920-367-8887.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke after getting dental implants?

Smoking after dental implant surgery is strongly discouraged, especially during the first 2 to 3 months. Smoking can disrupt healing, increase infection risk, and impair osseointegration. Your dentist may recommend quitting or abstaining for at least 8 weeks post-surgery.

Can I use nicotine replacement therapy instead of quitting smoking?

No, it’s not recommended. Nicotine replacement therapy can restrict blood flow to the gums and jawbone, negatively impacting the healing process. Discuss smoking or nicotine replacement therapy with your dentist before proceeding with implant treatment.

What happens if my dental implant fails due to smoking?

If an implant fails, it may need to be removed, and the site will require healing before a new implant can be placed. Quitting smoking and addressing any underlying issues (like bone loss) can improve the chances of success for a replacement implant.

Implant Dentistry Near You

Dental implants and smoking don’t mix. Dental implants can transform your smile and quality of life, but smoking poses significant challenges to their success. Don’t let smoking stand in the way of your perfect smile. Get in touch with our Green Bay dentist near you at 920-367-8887.