 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
Smoking and Dental Implants Many people ask if they can get dental implants if they smoke. The answer is yes. But there are certain exceptions and restrictions. During your consultation, we will perform an exam, take x-rays, and evaluate your oral health and overall health to determine whether or not you qualify for implants. Smokers with dental implants must pay closer attention to how they maintain them, with the help of our team here at Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Complications Resulting from Tobacco UsageDiabetes, blindness, asthma, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration… and that’s just an abridged version of the long litany of problems cancer is known to cause. Smoking is hazardous to your health and troublesome for your implants. Quitting is not easy, so if you’re going to continue to smoke you need to understand what affect it will have on your future implants and how to properly care for them. Smoking can jeopardize the success of your implants and cause permanent damage to your tissues that lasts after quitting, but this doesn’t disqualify you as a candidate. We have certain methods to improve the chances of implant success, such as conservative surgical techniques, lengthy recovery times, bone grafts, and quitting. Also, keep in mind that whether you smoke cigarettes, marijuana, or vape, the result is the same. You are at an increased risk of complications and implant failure. How Long Should I Abstain from Smoking after Surgery is Done?After surgery, you will need at least two to three months for the osseointegration process to finish. We recommend abstaining from cigarettes, marijuana, and vaping as long as possible, both before and after the surgery. But if you can’t wait for an extended period, then we suggest stopping two weeks before surgery. Recovery PeriodEvery surgery entails post-op instructions once it’s completed, and this is no exception. Dr. Jay P. Malmquist will give you guidelines to follow so you can heal as quickly as possible without complication. These instructions include a diet of soft foods, restrictions on physical activity, and, of course, abstaining from smoking. Dry SocketsFor a few days following surgery, your body will make blood clots. These clots prevent bleeding, cover nerves and bones, and prevent bacteria and food residue from getting into the site. If a blood clot is removed too soon, you can develop a painful condition called a dry socket, which prolongs recovery and makes it more painful. You are especially vulnerable to them within the first 72 hours after surgery. There are certain things you must do to prevent blood clots. First, don’t smoke. Inhaling smoke creates a force in the mouth strong enough to dislodge and remove a blood clot. You can also loosen blood clots if you suck while smoking. Restrain from using straws after surgery, as these can dislodge blood clots. Drink water instead and ask Dr. Jay P. Malmquist when you can start drinking other beverages or use straws again. We sometimes prescribe antibiotic mouth rinses or rinsing your mouth out with saltwater. If you end up having to do one of these, do not spit. Rather, lean over a sink, open your mouth, and let the liquid pour out. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call (503) 446-6776. |
 
Phone:(503) 446-6776Fax:503-297-7810Address:1750 SW Harbor Way, Suite # 100, Portland, OR. 97201Hours:Mon - Thu: 8:00am–4:30pm Friday: 7:00am–2:00pm Saturday: By Appointment Only |
