Does Smoking Marijuana Affect Dental Implants? The Answer May Surprise You.

So you somehow found yourself on the topic of marijuana and dental implants. Super niche — so we can tell you that smoking (anything) with dental implants isn’t advised. If you’re hoping to get dental implants, it’s best to cut the habit before being considered for dental implants. You may have already heard about the push for federal legalization, so we’re adding our two cents on the topic.

A study published June of 2016 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, stated that long-term medical marijuana usage increases risks of developing periodontal disease.

But don’t think I’m being a Debby Downer — let me tell you what else those ‘puff, puff, pass’ sessions contribute to:

1. Bone Density

Smoke limits bone growth, so while some dentists may be willing to give dental implants to smokers, it depends on the condition of your gums and the amount of bone you have to hold the implant.

2. Slower Healing

Your mouth will be sensitive after the first 3 weeks following dental implants, so it’s best to avoid smoking. Anytime you suck in through your lips, you form a seal and a vacuum. That motion alone can dislodge a forming blood clot, and disrupt the healing process.

3. Dental Implant Failure

While studies show that dental implants last for over 20 years, twice as many failures occur among smokers. Recovering from dental implant failure can be a painful process — ouch.

4. Peri-implantitis

Periodontal disease is caused by an inflammatory reaction to a bacterial infection below the gum-line, and it can lead to swelling, irritation, receding gums, and tooth loss if left untreated. Peri-implantitis, on the other hand, happens post-implants.

Outside of oral health, marijuana is much safer than cigarettes. According to CDC, 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by tobacco. Further, tobacco is associated with over 400,000 annual deaths in the United States alone, while cannabis hasn’t been linked to a single death.

The verdict: You should try to quit smoking completely or stop smoking 2–3 weeks before your procedure keeping in mind the negative effects it may have on your dental implant results. Make an honest effort to quit so you can get lasting results out of your dental implants.

Ready to ash the Endo and begin your dental implant journey? It’s nothing to be anxious about and now you can find affordable payment plans for dental implants with Zentist. For more information, visit zentist.io.