Smoking and Dental Implants Failure: Everything You Need to Know!
Dental implants are an excellent restorative option to replace missing teeth. When considering dental implants, you should visit our dental office in Chestnut Hill, MA. Our dentist will examine you to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment. Critical requirements for dental implants surgery include:
- Must have enough and healthy jawbone
- Must practice good oral hygiene and habits
- Must be a non-smoker or prepared to quit tobacco products
- Must have good oral and overall health
Keep reading to learn how smoking can affect your dental implant. Contact our dentist for dental implants in Chestnut Hill.
Smoking and Oral Health
Smoking is a risky business as far as your oral and overall health is concerned. Tobacco use is a serious and common risk factor for numerous oral issues such as:
- Tooth staining
- An increased build-up of plaque and tartar
- Tooth loss and edentulism
- Accelerated oral tissues damage
- Jawbone deterioration
- Inflamed saliva glands
- Gum disease or periodontal disease
- Oral cancer
- Dental implant failure
How Smoking Affects Dental Implants
Placing a dental implant involves fixing a titanium post in the underlying jawbone of the missing tooth through surgery. Smoking before and after dental implant surgery can negatively impact the success of a dental implant in two main ways – delayed healing and impaired immune system.
Nicotine is one of the key ingredients in tobacco. According to research, nicotine impairs the body’s natural healing process. Nicotine gets into the blood system, restricting blood and oxygen flow. It prevents blood, oxygen, and essential nutrients from reaching the cells.
For instance, it can lead to increased blood viscosity, blood clots, high levels of fibrinogen, high levels of carboxyhemoglobin, and decreased function of the white blood cells. All these issues lead to slow wound healing and impaired immune system.
Generally, it would help if you had good oxygen and blood flow within the cells to ensure normal wound healing after implant surgery. Compared to a non-smoker, those who smoke are likely to experience delayed gum tissue healing and damaged salivary glands.
There’s a greater risk of osseointegration (the process where the dental implant fuses with the jawbone). Reduced blood and oxygen flow delay bone healing around the implant and impairs the immune system. Clinical trials have shown a higher risk of osseointegration failure in smokers than nonsmokers.
If the implant has already healed, smoking can increase your risk of periodontal disease, cancerous lesions, peri-implantitis, and oral precancerous. Over time, nicotine and tar can cause stubborn stains on the implant crown and the rest of the teeth.
How long should you Stop Smoking?
Generally, you should stop smoking if you’re considering dental implants. Not only because of dental implants but for your overall well-being. If you’re not willing to quit, you should stop smoking for about a week before the surgery. It will provide enough time to flush out any nicotine and other chemicals from the blood. After the surgery, you should avoid smoking for at least two months. It will give your gums, bone, and other tissues enough time to heal naturally, quickly, and effectively.
Caring for Dental Implants when Smoking
If you’re a smoker and have dental implants, there’s a way you can decrease the risk of dental implant complications. Use these tips to care for your Implants and mouth:
- Brush at least twice daily and floss once daily.
- Brush or use a water jet after smoking.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams.
- Avoid damaging habits like using your teeth as a tool or chewing ice.
- Avoid abrasive oral products.
- Wear a mouthguard for bruxism and during contact physical activities.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you interested in dental implant surgery in Chestnut Hill, MA? Contact Hammond Pond Dental Group to book your appointment today.