Thanks to their ability to act as artificial tooth roots, dental implants have become a popular option for restoring incomplete smiles. But if you’re a smoker, you need to be careful; using cigarettes could have a less-than-positive impact on your chances for a successful treatment. Below is a quick look at how smoking can affect dental implants – and whether they’ll stop you from undergoing the procedure.
How Can Smoking Put Dental Implants at Risk?
You’re probably already aware that smoking can potentially lead to a number of oral health issues. When it comes to dental implants in particular, the habit can cause various complications:
- The nicotine in cigarettes can narrow the blood vessels in your gums. This restricts blood flow, which could slow down the healing process after dental implant placement.
- Studies show that smoking can increase the chances of failed osseointegration, meaning the implant posts are ultimately unable to join with the jawbone.
- Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, which in turn is a leading cause of dental implant failure.
So, Can You Still Get Dental Implants If You Smoke?
Despite all of the issues listed above, it is still often possible to get dental implants even if you smoke. That said, if you want to minimize your risk for dental implant failure, you will need to take the appropriate precautions.
Your dentist will likely recommend that you stop smoking for at least several weeks before and after your dental implant surgery. Of course, some people have trouble giving up cigarettes even temporarily; it may be a good idea to talk to your regular physician to see if they can point you toward any resources that could help you break the habit.
On top of that, you will need to make sure that your mouth is as healthy as possible prior to receiving dental implants. Make a point of practicing excellent oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. It may also help to start rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
In short, if you’re a smoker, you don’t necessarily need to give up on the idea of replacing your teeth with dental implants; you should, however, make sure that you’re aware of the risks involved and take the proper steps to address them. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you’re interested in discussing your potential candidacy for dental implants; they’ll help you make the choice that’s truly best for your grin!
About the Practice
At Beck Dental Care of Columbia, our dentists put their combined experience to good use helping patients enjoy comprehensive, fully personalized dental care. We’re proud to be able to place dental implants in-office, thus decreasing the need to send our patients to separate specialists. To schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or call (931) 388-8452.