Dental implants and vaping

sunsetboulevard

Hello, over the last few years I have been thinking it's time to do something about my manky teeth. They've always been crooked and coupled with receding gums is not the greatest look!

I want to go for the all on four dental implants. Have done a fair bit of research on the internet about different implant clinics and have made an appointment for next month. The thing is I used to be a smoker, but managed to give up just over 4 years ago. However I replaced the smoking with vaping at this time (got an electronic cigarette from my local supermarket) and have been using this ever since. I think there's 16 mg of nicotine in each filter.

I have to have all my top and bottom teeth extracted the same day as the implants are placed (one jaw first and then the second jaw about a month later) as I still have the majority of my natural teeth. I was just wondering if anyone on here has dental implants and vapes? If so, has the vaping caused any problems with the implants?

I really don't want to spend all that money on the all on four's if they then fail a few years down the line.

Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks.

welshdent

Have you been to see someone yet or are you basing the plan on your own research?

Vaping to my knowledge is not well researched for dental problems but I believe it is underway.

The best person to ask is the person proposing your treatment plan. They will be able to assess you and your medical/social history. Combined with their inherent knowledge of the procedure, they will be fare better placed to advise than someone on a message board to be honest .

sunsetboulevard

Thanks for your response.

Yes, I've been to a clinic and had the initial assessment to see if I was a suitable candidate for implants. At that appointment I was given a health form to fill out where it asked, amongst other things, whether I smoked or drank. It did not ask whether I vaped and to be honest it didn't even occur to me at the time to mention it. It was only something that occurred to me today.

I think I will ring them and see what they say. Thanks again.

adandem

Do you think you will ever smoke again? If you're still using nicotine after 4 years you haven't truly given up, just taking it in another form.
I used an inhaler type device to help me stop but on the advice of my GP, gave that up too.

sunsetboulevard

adandem, I can honestly say I will never smoke a cigarette again. The smell alone, which whilst I was a smoker I didn't even notice, now makes me want to heave when somebody smokes a cigarette close to me.

I know this electronic cigarette has filters which contain nicotine (at least those are the ones I have always bought) but I really don't know if you can get a zero nicotine filter. If there is such a thing I would give them a try and buy them instead. Think I'll have a look online and see if such a filter exists.

Thanks.

Toothsmith

The thing is, vaping hasn't been around for very long, certainly not as popular as it is now.

No one knows! There is no long term research, there is no standardisation as to what are in the solutions, and no regulation about what should be.

It is thought to be less damaging than smoking - but frankly they'd really have to try very hard to make it as damaging!

You are, in effect, just taking part in a completely unregulated medical trial. What happens to you will become part of future research which future advice to people will be based on. And you're paying to do it, rather than being paid!

The world thanks you - but can't offer you any idea as to how it will affect you, or anything else you have done to yourself.

speedfreek1000

I'd ask your dentist!

Vaping as you know causes a dry mouth which probably wouldn't be great for helping your mouth heal after tooth extraction.

There also might be an irritant in liquid be that the flavourings, nicotine or PG/VG base. Although most people have zero issues there's a fair few who experience allergic reactions.

I vape and if it was me I'd probably hit the patches until everything has healed.

brook2jack

The main problem here is that you have gum disease and gum disease attacks implants even easier than it attacks your own teeth.

You need to be meticulous on cleaning and also look at the other factors that may affect your gum disease. E.g. Diabetics have much higher implant failure rates .

Re your vaping, the liquid contains nicotine. Nicotine has a part to play in gum disease because it affects the blood supply to the gums and suppresses the immune response in the gums. With vaping with nicotine you are still mainlining nicotine to the gum area. Get rid of the nicotine. Vaping should only be a stepping stone to stopping smoking, not an end point.

But if you are considering having implants and want to keep them you will need to step up your cleaning and lifestyle habits.