Dental Implants and Smoking – Why You Should Avoid It?

70% of smokers want to quit. Smoking is bad for your overall health, increases your odds of a cardiovascular event, has been linked to various cancers and impacts your ability to breathe. Learn how dental implants and smoking combined can affect the success of your dental implant treatment.

A Quick Timetable

Phase I.

On average it takes 3 weeks to break this habit that has a hold on 1 in every 5 Americans. Once you decide to quit your body immediately begins to repair itself. If you cave in to the nicotine craving and have another cigarette your blood pressure goes up. If you decide to quit, after 20 minutes your blood pressure and pulse return to normal.

Phase II.

Two days into the process, damaged nerve endings begin to renew and your sense of smell and taste return to normal.

Phase III.

Make it to day 10; your teeth and gums will resemble a non-smoker, your cravings lower and your breathing easier; you’re on track to beat this addictive practice.

Phase IV.

Finally, week 3, your brain receptors are close to normal, your risk for heart attack has dropped. You’ve successfully completed smoking cessation and ready to take on the world.

EON Clinics knows smoking compromises proper healing after dental implant surgery. Here are some of the best ways to kick your habit before your dental implant treatment to ensure success.

1. Going cold turkey. 90% of smokers are said to try this method first. We understand it takes great determination to accomplish this feat. Smoking is an addiction and nicotine is a super powerful drug. Is it torturous and thinking about the withdrawal symptoms can be painful. However, if you give this approach two weeks you most likely will never pick up a cigarette again.
2. Nicotine replacement therapy is an option for those needing a little help. Gums, patches, lozenges, and sprays are all nicotine replacement therapy options that provide you with nicotine without smoking increasing your chances to quit. You’ll need additional support from your friends and family during this period of weakness.
3. If you’re a stress smoker, cognitive behavior therapy may be the solution you need to help you quit smoking. Cognitive behavior therapy involves a trained therapist providing ways for you to cope with your stresses and wean you from the smoking crutch either in a group setting or individually. Therapy also has an added benefit; being prescribed medications to assist in lessening your cravings and withdrawal.
4. Moderate exercise has proven to be successful at keeping your cravings at bay. Actively taking part in an exercise program gets your mind thinking about your overall wellness and you want to stop smoking to preserve your health.

Am I a Dental Implant Candidate?

Being a smoker does not disqualify you from being an implant recipient. Contact one of our five Midwest locations for a free consultation and to discuss your dental implants and smoking concerns.