Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because they’re the only option that’s surgically embedded in your jaw. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they function as sturdy standalone structures that don’t rely on support from your other teeth or gums to remain in place.
Although they’re typically stronger than the alternatives, they’re not entirely invincible. Certain behaviors, like smoking regularly, could harm them. Continue reading to learn more about how this toxic habit can potentially cause implant failure!
What is the Dental Implant Process?
Understanding more about how dental implants work can help explain why smoking puts them at risk. Before proceeding, you’ll consult with your dentist to update your medical history and ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Some patients require additional services, like gum disease treatment or a bone graft, before they can continue.
On the day of your surgery, your dental team will numb your mouth and sedate you so you remain comfortable and relaxed. They’ll make an incision in your gums to place the titanium rod of your dental implant in your jawbone. It can take three to six months to recover, because your jaw must create enough new bone growth to envelop and fuse with the metal in a process called osseointegration.
Once you’ve healed, your dentist will place a customized dental crown or other appropriate prosthetic to close the space in your smile.
How Does Smoking Impact My Oral Health and Implants?
Cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco all contain nicotine, which is a vasoconstrictor. It limits your blood oxygen levels and flow, leaving your body unable to deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums. This means you’re less able to generate new bone growth and might not successfully complete the osseointegration stage of recovery. Not only that, but the heat from pulling on a cigarette or vape can burn the tender tissues of your mouth, thickening the top layer of cells and increasing the risk of cancer.
At the same time, smoking suppresses your immune system, increasing your vulnerability to infection. The number one leading cause of implant failure is a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis. Bacteria in your mouth can penetrate and erode your gums and jawbone around your restoration which can destabilize or dislodge it entirely. You’re more likely to develop an infection after your surgery with nicotine in your system. In fact, researchers have found that smokers are at a 140.2% higher risk of experiencing failure than non-smokers.
You might think it’s safe to quit smoking long enough to heal after having implants placed, but you can still hurt your restorations. The best way to preserve your dental health is to quit this toxic habit for good!
About the Practice
At Texas Dental Surgery, you benefit from two experts who work together to provide numerous complex procedures to improve the condition of your smile. Dr. Walker is a board-certified periodontist and Dr. Houari is a skilled oral surgeon, so they can perform the dental implant procedure and place your restoration in the office. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort and deliver accurate results that are customized to match your grin seamlessly. You can request a consultation on the website or call (469) 296-8680.