Missing teeth can be a source of self-consciousness for many people. You may not feel great about showing off your smile or have trouble enjoying your favorite foods easily. To replace them, you can consider dental implants, as they are the gold standard. They offer benefits that other treatments don’t, but if you smoke, then it can cause problems for them. Here’s how this habit can spell bad news for getting a full smile.
How Does Smoking Impact Dental Implants?
As was mentioned above, dental implants are considered the best tooth replacement option because they restore a missing tooth from the root up. A post is fused with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This holds the implant stable, not letting it slip, unlike with dentures.
However, if you smoke, then it can affect how well your jaw grows around the post. You are likely to develop dry mouth from this habit as it burns your oral tissues. They’ll become thicker than normal, possibly blocking or damaging your salivary glands. When you can’t produce enough saliva, you’ll have a harder time washing away harmful bacteria that can attack the implant site. This will leave you at a higher risk of oral health issues, such as gum disease, which can make your tooth replacement wobbly.
Using tobacco can also narrow your blood vessels in your mouth. You won’t be able to get enough blood flow, which delivers immune cells, oxygen, and nutrients that are essential for proper healing. Instead, your recovery may slow down, which can increase your risk of infection.
Are Dental Implants Still an Option If I Smoke?
With that being said, smoking can make getting dental implants harder, but not impossible. You may still be eligible for it, as many smokers have undergone this procedure and had successful treatments. In order to find yourself in these positive cases, you must be committed to quitting completely or at least stopping temporarily.
Breaking the habit can help give you the best chance of success, as you won’t need to worry about it causing complications after your placement surgery or after you have fully healed. However, if this isn’t in the cards for you right now, then you should at least stop smoking for a week before your procedure and up to three months afterward. This can increase your odds, but be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to a T.
Even as a smoker, dental implants may be a possibility for you, but there are some risks this habit poses. When you have your consultation, be honest about how often you partake in it. That way, your dentist knows and can better prepare for any possible complications.
About the Author
Dr. Tony Lee earned his dental degree from the UMMC School of Dentistry. He is proud to help the St. Augustine community rebuild their smiles with reliable tooth replacement options, such as dental implants. By partnering with local specialists, you can trust that you stay in expert hands every step of the way, ensuring you know what you can to have a successful treatment. If you smoke and are thinking of this service, schedule a consultation to see if it’s right for you or call Dr. Lee’s office at (904) 808-8779.