Category Archives: Restorative Dentistry

Smoking after dental implants

I want to get dental implants, but my dentist made me quit smoking first. It has been hard. I’m wondering if I can start smoking again after I get the implants?

Dan. – no lectures please.

Dan,

Ideally, you’d want to stay smoke free. I no it is hard, but it honestly the best chance for a successful dental implant procedure. Even when all circumstances are perfect and your dentist is highly skilled there is a chance of dental implant failure.

When you smoke, it reduces the blood flow in your gums. That significantly increases the chances of a problem with your implants.

It’s your body and your call, of course. But, if you’re going to spend that amount of money to get the highest quality tooth replacement, you’ll want to give it the best chance possible.

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Stop your restoration!

My dentist had given me several dental crowns. I wasn’t happy with them, because they were ugly and always left a black line at my gumline. I’ve moved and my new dentist said that my crowns are not only ugly, but have damaged my bite. He is doing a complete bite restoration with 28 crowns. I’ve got the temporary ones. I’m having a little trouble eating with them, but that’s probably because they are temporary. I would like to have the eye teeth extended a little. Is that being too picky?

Renee N. – Rhode Island

Renee,

I’m going to strongly suggest you stop this restoration right away. Your temporary crowns should not be uncomfortable at all, especially not while eating. I would tell him not to continue until they’ve worked out the issue with your temp. crowns.

To answer your question, no, it is not too picky to want your eye teeth extended. It is your smile. You’re paying a significant amount of money. You’re certainly within your rights to want it to look a certain way.

I’m a little concerned that your new dentist doesn’t know what they’re doing either.  A full mouth restoration is a very advanced, complicated procedure. If it’s not done well, you will have serious TMJ problems, which can ruin your quality of life for years to come. I would ask your dentist where he got his restoration training. If he says the Pankey Institue or Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, then I’d be a little more comfortable with you moving forward. If not, I’d get out and get a second opinion.

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