I really want dental implants, but my dentist said it’s a no go because I smoke. Why?
Mitch M. – PA
Mitch,
I know it is probably frustrating to you and you may feel like your dentist is trying to bully you into quitting smoking, but there is a legitimate reason your dentist may hesitate. Dental Implants are always a risk. Though there is a high success rate, everything can be done perfectly and the implants could still fail. Blood flow, along with a solid bone structure, are extremely important in helping your dental implants to success. When you smoke, it restricts the blood flow and makes the procedure much more likely to fail. It also puts you at a greater risk for infection.
I’m aware you could likely call around and find a dentist who’d be willing to do the procedure while you’re smoking. But, ask yourself why. Are they just interested in their profit margin and therefore will do the procedure regardless of the risk to you? Or, do they really think your gums and jawbone are healthy enough? I can’t judge that, but it would be something I’d be concerned about.
It is your body and your risk to take. If you decide to go forward with it, even while smoking, just make sure you find a dentist who has significant dental implant training and a high success rate with the procedure.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.