Ignore Smoking

6 Reasons Why You Should Ignore Smoking After Dental Implant Surgery

January 6, 2023

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as a replacement for missing teeth. They offer several benefits including improved oral health, better chewing and speaking ability, and improved appearance. However, there are some potential risks associated with this procedure that you should be aware of. One of the most important precautions is to avoid smoking after dental implant surgery, as this can have serious negative consequences.

Slower Healing Time

Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can decrease the amount of time it takes for your gums and jawbone to heal from dental implant surgery. This could lead to complications, such as infection or implant failure.

Increased Risk of Infection

Smoking after dental implant surgery can increase your risk of experiencing an infection around the site of the implant. This is because smoking reduces blood flow to the area, which can prevent healing and make it more difficult for your body to fight off any bacteria that may be present.

Decreased Bone Growth

Smoking can decrease the amount of bone growth that occurs around dental implants, which is essential for maintaining a stable and secure implant over time. The chemicals found in cigarettes can also weaken the bond between your jawbone and the implant, making it more likely to fail or become loose.

Higher Chance of Complications

Smoking can increase the risk of developing complications from dental implant surgery, such as inflammation, pain, and even implant failure. The chemicals in cigarettes can also irritate the gums around the implant site, resulting in swelling and discomfort.

Impaired Taste Perception

Smoking can impair your taste perception, making food less enjoyable and flavorful. This is due to the nicotine in cigarettes which can interfere with how you experience different flavors and aromas.

Foul Smell from Smoking

Smoking after dental implant surgery can leave a foul smell in your mouth, as well as stains on your teeth. This is due to the tar and other chemicals in cigarettes, which can remain on your teeth even after brushing.

Conclusion

Smoking after dental implant surgery can be detrimental to both the success of your implant as well as your overall health. The chemicals found in cigarettes can interfere with the healing process, increase your risk of infection, and even cause implant failure. Itā€™s important to make sure you follow your dentistā€™s instructions for aftercare, which should include avoiding smoking and other tobacco products.

Q: Can I smoke before dental implant surgery?

A: No, it is not recommended to smoke before having dental implant surgery as it can increase your risk of infection and slow down healing time.

Q: How long after dental implant surgery should I wait to smoke?

A: It is recommended to wait at least a week before smoking after dental implant surgery. However, it is best to avoid smoking altogether in order to ensure the best possible outcome for your implant.

Q: Is vaping allowed after dental implant surgery?

A: It is not recommended to vape after dental implant surgery, as it can contain many of the same chemicals found in cigarettes that can be detrimental to your healing process and implant success.