Stopping Smoking Improves Your Chances of Getting Dental Implants
Posted on 1/15/2025 by Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center
As a periodontist, I help patients restore their smiles and improve their oral health through a variety of procedures, including dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They offer a permanent, natural-looking solution for people who have lost teeth due to injury, gum disease, or other reasons.
While dental implants are a highly successful treatment option, smoking can significantly impact the success rate of the procedure. This article will explore the connection between smoking and dental implants and highlight the importance of quitting smoking before and after receiving dental implants.
Understanding the Impact of Smoking on Oral Health
Smoking has a negative impact on overall health, including oral health. The toxins in cigarette smoke damage the gums and bone, making it more difficult for the body to heal after dental implant surgery. Smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease, which can lead to implant failure.
Increased Risk of Implant Failure for Smokers
Studies have shown that smokers have a significantly higher risk of implant failure compared to non-smokers. The exact percentage varies depending on the study, but it can be as high as three times more likely. This increased risk is due to several factors, including:
•
Poorer blood circulation: Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums and bone, which slows down healing and increases the risk of infection.
•
Delayed bone healing: Nicotine in cigarettes interferes with the bone healing process, making it more difficult for the implants to integrate with the jawbone.
•
Increased inflammation: Smoking irritates the gums and bone, leading to inflammation, which can damage the implant and surrounding tissues.
Quitting Smoking Before and After Implant Surgery
If you are considering dental implants, quitting smoking is crucial for increasing your chances of success. Ideally, you should quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery and continue to abstain from smoking after the procedure. This will give your body the best chance to heal and integrate the implants successfully.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking for Dental Implants
Quitting smoking not only improves your chances of successful dental implant surgery but also offers numerous other benefits for your oral and overall health. These benefits include:
•
Reduced risk of gum disease: Quitting smoking significantly reduces your risk of developing gum disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss.
•
Improved healing: Quitting smoking accelerates the healing process after surgery, reducing the risk of complications.
•
Better blood circulation: Quitting smoking improves blood circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the gums and bones.
•
Reduced inflammation: Quitting smoking reduces inflammation throughout the body, including the gums and bone, which protects the implants from damage.
•
Improved sense of taste and smell: Quitting smoking can improve your sense of taste and smell, allowing you to enjoy food more fully.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer a life-changing solution for people who have lost teeth. However, smoking can significantly impact the success rate of the procedure. Quitting smoking before and after dental implant surgery is crucial for increasing your chances of success and improving your overall oral health. If you are considering dental implants, talk to your periodontist about quitting smoking and developing a plan to help you achieve your goals.
Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center
Dr. Melody J. Schiffer Dr. Gary Greenwald Dr. Andrew Kurialacherry Dr. Nisha Kancherla