A popular tooth replacement that’s revered by patients and dentists alike is dental implants. They are durable and reliable, all the while giving you up to 90% of your bite back. Better yet, many people enjoy a successful treatment, but if you smoke, then it may affect your eligibility. Here’s what you need to know about this habit and getting toward a full smile you love.
How Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered the gold standard to restore missing teeth as they replace the entire structure. A post is placed and fused to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. The bone will grow around the fixture, making it a permanent part of your oral anatomy. You may feel confident eating again, as it has a sturdy foundation to rely on.
However, smoking can cause a myriad of problems for you after you get the post inserted. When you do this habit, it dries out your mouth and burns your oral tissues. They become thicker, which then blocks or damages your salivary glands. With an impacted saliva production, you’ll have a harder time washing away harmful plaque. You put yourself at a higher risk of gum disease and failure since bacteria can linger and attack the implant site.
Using tobacco can also affect your recovery. It narrows the blood vessels in your mouth, meaning the implant site won’t be able to get the nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells it needs to have smooth healing. Instead, you may inadvertently be more prone to infection and end up with a wobbly tooth replacement.
Are Dental Implants Possible for a Smoker?
With that being said, it’s not entirely unheard of for a smoker to get dental implants. Many have received them and continue to enjoy their benefits. To help you be a part of these successful cases, you should be committed to breaking this habit entirely or at least temporarily.
Quitting smoking flat out will give you the highest chance of success, as you won’t need to worry about the complications above. For some, doing so may not be in the cards right now. Instead, you should commit to stopping for a week before your procedure and at least three months afterward. Be sure to follow your dentist’s post-op instructions as well; that way, you can help prevent failure.
In the end, when talking to your provider about dental implants, be honest about your smoking habits. Doing so will help them prepare for any complications and figure out what’s needed to get you to a full smile once again.
About the Author
Dr. Heng Lim earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma. He has since continued his education and taken advanced training, allowing him to offer dental implants to the Owasso community. You will be able to stick with Dr. Lim and his team throughout the process, so you feel confident staying with those you trust every step of the way. If you want to know if you can get this tooth replacement option as a smoker, schedule an appointment or call his office at (918) 274-3779.