Did you know that around 480,000 people die from smoking every year in the United States?
However, most people underestimate smoking's impact on oral health, especially if you are thinking about getting dental implants.
If you are thinking about getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, your dentist is likely to inquire about your smoking habits. Smoking also adversely affects dental implant treatment, hindering healing, osseointegration (integration with the jawbone), and the maintenance of oral hygiene around the implants.
If you are a chronic smoker and are considering implants, then knowing the answer to "When can I smoke after dental implants?" can make the difference between the success and failure of your treatment.
Smoking is probably one of the major reasons you have ended up considering or are currently getting a dental implant.
Before finding out, “When can I smoke after dental implants?” let’s take a look at how smoking can impact implants.
Disrupts the Function of Salivary Glands
Smoking harms your salivary glands and reduces your saliva production. A dry mouth provides an ideal environment for disease-causing bacteria to flourish.
Slower Recovery
Smoking reduces the blood flow to the gums and jawbone, which delays the healing process following a dental implant surgery. This prolonged recovery period can hinder the proper fusion of the implant with the jawbone. Additionally, smoking heightens the chances of implant failure, infections, and other oral health issues.
Increases Post-Procedure Symptoms
It's typical for your body to respond to oral surgery as part of the healing process. However, smoking can exacerbate certain post-operative symptoms. Smokers tend to experience higher levels of specific signs and symptoms during the week after surgery, including:
- Increased post-operative pain
- More instances of bleeding on the first day after surgery
- Greater facial swelling
- Infections
Promotes Long-Term Gum Disease
Nicotine and its by-products disrupt the normal function of gum tissue cells, causing gums to detach from dental implants and bone. Unhealthy gum tissue can complicate the placement and retention of dental implants following surgery. Smoking before or after receiving dental implants can increase the risk of gum disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the frequency and duration of smoking correlate with heightened risks of gum disease. Smokers typically experience more severe and long-term gum disease compared to non-smokers.
Speeds Up Bone Loss
Dental implants fail when they cannot properly fuse with the surrounding bone tissue, and smoking hinders this bone-healing process. Smokers are likely to experience greater bone loss compared to non-smokers. As we age, reduced oxygen and blood supply to bones already occur naturally, and tobacco chemicals exacerbate this issue.
Increases the Risk of Infection
Smoking heightens the risk of infection due to chemicals like nicotine, which weaken the immune system. This impairment makes it harder for the body to combat infections, potentially resulting in implant failure or necessitating further invasive procedures.
Increases the Risk of Implant Failure
Smoking increases the likelihood of implant failure by weakening bones with nicotine and other cigarette chemicals. This hinders the effective fusion of the implant and bone.
Increases the Risk of Peri-Implantitis
Peri-implantitis is a condition where the tissue surrounding the implant becomes infected and inflamed. Smoking raises the risk of peri-implantitis, which can result in implant failure and necessitate further surgical interventions.
Additionally, smokers are more prone to developing periodontal disease, which can also undermine the success of dental implant procedures.
Smoking accelerates gum disease and increases susceptibility to dental plaque among smokers.
To maintain implant health if you are a smoker:
- Aim to clean around each implant twice daily. Brush all accessible surfaces with a regular or electric toothbrush.
- Smokers with dental implants should avoid overly abrasive toothpastes available on the market, as they can wear down acrylic and remove porcelain glaze.
- Adhere strictly to the care instructions provided by your dentist, especially regarding oral hygiene and smoking cessation.
- Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your dentist for professional cleanings and to monitor the health of your implants.
- Besides cigarettes, avoid other tobacco products that can also impair healing around your dental implants.
- Be vigilant for any signs of infection, inflammation, or discomfort around your dental implants. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any issues.
- Drink plenty of water to maintain oral moisture, as smoking can dry out the mouth, potentially increasing the risk of complications.
Dentists usually recommend that you do not smoke for at least three months after the dental implant has been placed. You should seriously consider stopping smoking at least two weeks before your surgery or as advised by your oral surgeon.
Increase your success with implants at Shahbazyan DDS Cosmetic & General Dentistry.
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