Smoking and Dental Implants: A Risky Combination
If you’re considering dental implants in Rancho Cucamonga, it’s important to understand how smoking affects dental implants before, during, and after your treatment. At Renaissance Dental Care, Dr. Jay Stockdale provides advanced implant dentistry and has seen firsthand how cigarette smoking, vaping, and nicotine exposure can impact the success of dental implants.
While dental implants are one of the most reliable solutions for missing teeth, smokers experience a significantly higher risk of implant failure—especially during the initial healing phase. Our implant dentist in Rancho Cucamonga explains exactly why smoking affects implants, what the latest dental research shows, and what you can do to protect your long-term oral health.
For personalized guidance, call our Rancho Cucamonga dental office at (909) 297-1921. We’re conveniently located at 9080 Milliken Ave, Suite 100, proudly serving Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, San Bernardino, Diamond Bar, and surrounding Inland Empire communities.
Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don’t Mix
Dental implants rely on healthy gum tissues, strong bone tissue, and unrestricted blood flow to heal properly. Unfortunately, smoking impacts every part of this process—from surgery to long-term implant survival.
Below is a comprehensive, easy-to-understand breakdown.
Quitting Smoking Makes All the Difference in Implant Success
To maximize your implant success rate, dental professionals strongly recommend quitting smoking two to three months before dental implant placement and avoiding smoking during the entire healing period.
Many patients find it helpful to:
- Use nicotine replacement therapy
- Set a quit date
- Seek support from counseling or cessation programs
- Use strategies to ease withdrawal symptoms
- Ask our team for guidance and resources
Avoiding smoking during recovery is one of the most important factors in achieving successful outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is occasional or social smoking okay before receiving dental implants?
No. Even occasional cigarette smoking or vaping can slow healing, reduce oxygen flow, and increase the risk of early implant failure.
How long should I avoid smoking after dental implant surgery?
Most oral surgeons recommend avoiding smoking for at least two to three months post-surgery to protect the dental implant during the critical early stages of healing.
Are e-cigarettes or vaping safer for dental implants?
No. Vaping still exposes your body to harmful chemicals, nicotine, and carbon monoxide—all of which impair bone healing and slow the recovery process of your dental implants.
Can I get dental implants if I’ve been a lifelong smoker?
In many cases, yes, you can receive dental implants. But your treatment may require additional steps such as bone grafts, periodontal care, or extended healing time. Quitting or reducing smoking significantly improves your outcome.
Does smoking affect bone grafts used before implant placement?
Yes. Smoking reduces blood flow, increases infection risk, and can interfere with proper bone regeneration.
Where can I get dental implants near me in Rancho Cucamonga?
Renaissance Dental Care provides advanced implant dentistry at our Milliken Ave location. Dr. Jay Stockdale has extensive training and experience in dental implant treatment, including complex cases for smokers or patients with bone loss. We welcome patients from Riverside, San Bernardino, Diamond Bar, Upland, Ontario, and throughout the Inland Empire.
Take Control of Your Implant Success Today
If you’re ready to explore dental implants in Rancho Cucamonga, quitting smoking can dramatically improve your implant success rate, oral health, and long-term comfort. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Jay Stockdale, call (909) 297-1921, or visit our Rancho Cucamonga dental practice conveniently located on Milliken Ave.
Our team is here to support you from start to finish—no judgment, just personalized care for successful, long-lasting tooth replacement. We welcome patients from Riverside, San Bernardino, Diamond Bar, Upland, Ontario, and throughout the Inland Empire.