The Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Dental Implants
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth and gums. It’s a leading cause of gum disease and can lead to other serious dental problems, such as tooth decay and oral cancer. Smoking can also heighten the risk of implant failure if you have dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants and Implant Failure?
Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth. They are anchored to the jawbone, and the bone grows around the implant. However, some lifestyle factors may cause them to fail, such as nicotine addiction. Nicotine interferes with osseointegration, and this can lead to implant failure.
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. When nicotine is present in the body, it increases the risk of developing cancer. It also increases the risk of developing other serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
Implant failure is a serious complication that can occur when nicotine is present in the body. It can cause the implant to become loose, and it can also lead to infection. Infection can spread to the surrounding tissue, leading to further complications, such as bone loss.
How Does Smoking Affect Your Implants?
Smoking can interfere with the success of dental implants for several reasons. For one, it can delay healing after surgery. Implant surgery is considered a delicate procedure, and the bones and tissues need time to heal properly. Smoking can interfere with this process and delay healing.
Smoking can also increase the risk of infection. Infection is one of the most common complications of implant surgery. Smoking can make it more difficult for the body to fight infection.
Furthermore, smoking can cause the gum tissue to shrink. That can make it more difficult to place the implant in the jawbone and increase the risk of the implant getting rejected by the body.
Finally, smoking can stain the implant, making it more challenging to match it to your natural teeth.
If you are considering dental implants, it is crucial to quit smoking before surgery. Doing that will give you the best chance of success. Many resources are available to help you quit smoking, so talk to your dentist or doctor about what might work best for you.
Is There a Safe Amount of Nicotine for Dental Implants?
There is no safe amount of nicotine for dental implants. Even small amounts of nicotine can increase the risk of implant failure. If considering dental implants, you should quit smoking and use other tobacco products before the procedure.
If you are unable to quit smoking, you may be able to use a nicotine replacement product, such as patches or gum. These products can help to reduce the amount of nicotine in your body and may help to reduce the risk of implant failure.
Before the procedure, you should speak to your dentist about the risks associated with dental implants. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your situation.
Conclusion
Smoking is a major risk factor for dental implant failure. It decreases the success rate of dental implants and increases the risk of implant failure. Smokers are also more likely to experience complications after dental implant surgery. If you are considering dental implants, quitting smoking is the best way to improve your chances of success. Talk to your dentist about ways to quit smoking and help you reduce your risk of implant failure.
If you need dental implants in Weymouth, MA, or an emergency dentist to help you with your dental concerns, reach out to us. Weymouth Dental Arts have a highly experienced team and offer a variety of dental treatments. In our clinic, we welcome patients of all ages. Our office also uses the latest and most advanced technologies to make your visit as quick and comfortable as possible.