I want to get dental implants, but my detnist is refusing me treatment because I smoke. Is that legal? I found another dentist who’s willing to give them to me. He’s way more affordable, but I wanted to check out whether I should be concerned about the other dentist first. He seemed a little too eager.
Benjamin S. – Chicago
Benjamin,
Your dentist is under no legal obligation to give you dental implants. There is a really good reason he is asking you to quit smoking. Dental Implants are a difficult procedure even under the best of circumstances, and they fail often. When you add smoking the the mix, it significantly increases the chances of failure.
The toxins from the cigarettes restrict the blood flow in your gums. That is going to make it hard for you to heal and could lead to the implants falling out.
What you’re asking your dentist to do is equivalent of asking a contractor to build a house on quicksand.
That alone should make you wonder why that other dentist is so eager. I’m guessing he’s so affordable because he cuts corners. So, he’s not likely to care if they fail. He’s just after the money.
There are ways to get quality affordable dental implants if that is what you’re looking for, and I’m sure you could find a skilled dentist who is willing. But, what is the point if you’re not going to give the procedure its best chance?
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.