If you have experienced tooth loss in the past, then you may already know how it affects your everyday life. You might have trouble eating or feel insecure about showing off your smile. As you look into replacement options, dental implants are the gold standard treatment. They are effective and durable, but smoking can threaten this treatment. Here’s more about how this habit affects getting a full smile.
What Does Smoking Do to Dental Implants?
As a refresher, dental implants replace a missing tooth from the root up. A post is inserted and fused with your jawbone, holding it secure. Your results won’t be able to slip or move around, like how dentures can. You’ll be able to feel confident taking bites of your favorite foods again.
The fusion process is known as osseointegration, but this important part of the treatment plan can be affected by smoking. When you do this habit, it can lead to dry mouth. It happens because it burns your oral tissues, causing them to become thicker. They may block or even damage your salivary glands.
By not being able to produce enough saliva, you’ll have more trouble washing away harmful bacteria. Instead, they may linger and attack the implant site, leading to oral health issues like gum disease. Your tooth replacement can become wobbly because of this condition.
Not only that, but tobacco can also narrow your mouth’s blood vessels. Without proper blood flow, the structures around the post won’t get the needed immune cells, oxygen, or nutrients they need to heal properly. With a slow recovery, you may be more prone to infection.
Can I Get Dental Implants as a Smoker?
Before you get disheartened, there is some good news! You may still be able to get dental implants as a smoker. Many have gotten this tooth replacement and had it be successful, but commitments to quitting entirely or temporarily will give you the best shot.
Breaking the habit entirely would give you the highest chance of success. You won’t need to worry about the complications it can cause after placement surgery or any issues after you have healed entirely.
If quitting doesn’t sound like a possibility, then you can stop smoking for a week before your procedure. Steer clear of it up to three months afterward, while osteointegration is taking place, and you can increase your odds. Follow your dentist’s post-op instructions, and you can do your best to avoid failure.
When you have a dental implant consultation, be honest with your provider about your smoking habits. This will help them better prepare for any complications and get you a step toward the full smile you deserve.
About the Practice
At Sunny Smile Dental, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the North Dallas community get the renewed grin they love. By offering dental implants in-house, we can do a thorough consultation before doing the procedure ourselves, staying in an office you feel comfortable in! If you want to know how smoking affects your eligibility for this procedure, schedule an appointment or call our practice at (972) 481-8800.