Smoking and Your Dental Implants...

​Planning for the process of improving your smile is very important. In the initial consultation at Periodontal Therapy Center, we will help you understand every component of the treatment, the number of treatment visits, the time it will take, what to do before each visit, and what to do after each procedure. One of the most important commitments we need from our patients is to eliminate smoking after the procedure to ensure the best result and minimize the risk of complications.

In clinical trials, smoking has been identified as the leading cause of post procedure complications or a less than optimal result. In fact, smoking is considered the highest risk factor for complications after any surgical procedure. And there are reasons for that.

• Nicotine restricts the blood vessels that deliver oxygen to the treatment site. A lack of oxygen will dramatically slow the healing process.
• For dental implant patients, smoking can interfere with implant osseointegration – the process the bone fusing with the implant material.
• Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease and peri-implantitis, and infection of the soft tissue surrounding the dental implant.
• Because smoking weakens the heart and lungs, it can interfere with anesthesia and cause complications.
• A reduced oxygen supply can affect the bodies immune system and increase the risk of infection and the patient’s overall good health.
• The sucking action used in smoking can dislodge the clotting at the surgical site which can lead to painful complications.
• Using a nicotine patch can help if you are having a minor oral procedure, but not recommended for oral surgeries or implant procedures.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you use a Vape, chewing tobacco, or nicotine gum you should stop using before dental procedures too. Regardless of how the nicotine is being delivered, the risks are the same!

Whether you are coming to us for periodontal therapy, deep tissue cleaning, surgery or dental implants; smoking should be eliminated to minimize the risk of complications and give the best results. How long will you need to stop? We recommend that you stop smoking before the procedure. The longer the healing process will be after the procedure, the more time you should be smoke free before. As an example, if you are having dental implants, we recommend you stop smoking a month before and don’t smoke for at least 3 months after. We understand that is a big thing to ask but your new smile is a big investment of your time and money. Why not give yourself the best chance for an optimal result?
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For more information, please call our office. Our staff is standing by to answer your questions and schedule a consultation with Dr Hameroff.