Dental implants and smoking, diabetes and pregnancy

Smoking can negatively influence the results of dental implant treatment.

Negative effects of smoking:

• Decreased blood supply to the bone, gums and the surrounding mucosa.
• Altered characteristics of the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Slow healing, making the affected areas prone to infections.
• Decreased ability to heal.
• Poor health of implants in the long-term, this compromising the duration of the treatment.

All this means that we now know that implants have a higher failure rate in smokers than in non-smokers, which is why we recommend patients quit smoking if they want to undergo dental implant treatment.

Can a person with diabetes have implants?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that alters certain body functions, including the ability to fight against infection. While dental implants are not recommended for patients with uncontrolled diabetes, patients with controlled diabetes should have a normal response to the treatment, with positive results and a complication-free recovery.However, more thorough testing and controls both pre- and post-treatment is recommended for diabetic patients.

Are there any problems with getting a dental implant while pregnant?

Pregnant women should wait until after delivery to undergo dental implant surgery. But if the patient becomes pregnant after the surgical phase of treatment is complete or when she is already wearing the prosthesis, there is no risk to the baby’s development nor an increased risk of implant loss. However, it is important to adapt the personal and professional implant care plan to the specific needs that arise during pregnancy because of the physiological and hormonal changes your body will experience.
 

Ask an expert

The above advice is of a general nature and sensitive health issues like these should be examined by a professional on a case-by-case basis. Our dental experts in Barcelona will be more than happy to discuss your options with you.