If you have missing teeth, then you might be looking for ways to replace them. You want to get back to your full, confident smile, but what options are out there? Dental implants are a reliable choice as they have many more benefits than other treatments. However, if you smoke, then you may have to quit to ensure success. Keep reading to learn how this habit can affect implants.
What Does Smoking Do to Dental Implants?
An appeal of this tooth replacement is that it restores the entire dental structure, down to the roots. A post is placed in your jawbone and fuses to it during a process known as osseointegration. This gives it the stability that it’s known for, but smoking can cause some complications.
The habit often leads to dry mouth. It does this by burning your oral tissues, causing them to become thicker than normal. It can then block off or damage your salivary glands, leading to a lack of saliva production. Without it, you’ll have a harder time washing away harmful bacteria that can threaten your implant.
Not only that, but tobacco can narrow your blood vessels. It can make it harder for your mouth to get adequate blood flow, which is necessary in delivering oxygen, immune cells, and other nutrients. This will slow down your healing, increasing your risk of developing oral health issues.
Will I Still Be Able to Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?
Although smoking can make it harder for you to get dental implants, it’s not entirely impossible. They may still be an option, as many smokers have had successful treatments. However, it’s important you’re committed to stopping temporarily or permanently.
You should break this habit at least a week before your implant surgery and up to three months after placement. This can help increase your odds, but you should also follow your dentist’s post-op instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
While flat-out quitting may not sound like it’s in the cards for you, it can be helpful in the longevity of your tooth replacement option. Even after you are fully healed, smoking can increase your risk of jawbone loss or mess with the fusion of the implant to your jaw.
To make a long story short, you can still get dental implants as a smoker, but there are some risks to it. Keep these in mind while you are talking to your dentist during your consultation. Be open and honest about your habits, and they can help you get set up for success.
About the Author
Dr. Anas Alhossin earned his dental degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He has since continued his education, allowing him to give the Raynham community the highest-quality care they deserve. Dr. Al can help you restore your missing teeth with dental implants, even completing the entire process under one roof. If you are wondering if you can get this treatment as a smoker, schedule an appointment or call his office at (508) 880-4910.