Can you tell me if All on 4 implants will work better than standard implants if I smoke? Since the implants are put in at an angle I’m wondering if they will stay put better than standard implants. I’m not a chain smoker but I smoke every day. What’s the better option for me? – Thanks. Branton
Branton,
Whether you receive All-On-4 implants or implant overdentures with standard fixtures, your dentist will encourage you to quit smoking before you receive them.
Quit Smoking Before You Receive All-on-4 Dental Implants
Smoking will affect the success of your implants in several ways:
- Nicotine restricts the blood flow in your mouth.
- Smoking slows the implant healing process, and it can prevent the implants from healing properly.
- When you smoke, it increases the risk of periodontal (gum) disease. You need healthy gums for your implants to heal.
- The purpose of All-on-4 is to receive implants when you have low bone density. Studies show the effects of smoking are more pronounced in areas of low bone density. So All-on-4 will present an even higher risk than standard implant overdentures.
What about Smoking after Surgery?
- Smoking after surgery increases the risk of inflammation at the surgical site.
- Increased bleeding at the implant site is more common with smokers.
- Although implant fixtures stimulate bone growth, increased nicotine hinders bone growth. So you can still experience jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.
- If you continue to smoke after surgery, it may cause your All-on-4 implants to fail. If even if a single implant fails, they will all need to be completely redone.
When Should You Stop Smoking?
At a minimum, it is recommended that you stop smoking at least one week prior to surgery and two months after. The recommendation from your implant dentist can differ. If you are unable to break the habit on your own, speak with your medical doctor about getting assistance to quit.
Smoking doesn’t eliminate your ability to get dental implants, but healing can be slower, and there is a greater risk of implant failure. Your investment in your overall health and in All-on-4 dental implants will be worth it.
This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and American board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
