A common dental process to substitute missing teeth is acquiring dental implants near you. They are made up of a dental crown connected to a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. Despite the high success rate of dental implants, smoking can raise the chance of complications. Here is what you need to know about smoking and dental implants.

Why Smoking is Dangerous to Your Oral Health

In addition to being harmful to your general health, smoking is extremely dangerous for your dental health. Alongside tooth loss, several other dental health issues can be brought on by smoking including halitosis (bad breath), smile discoloration, gum disease, oral cancer, a reduced sense of taste and smell, and dry mouth. 

In addition to these problems, smoking can also affect the success of certain dental procedures such as dental implants or root canals. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums and bone tissue, which can make it difficult for the body to heal after surgery or other procedures.

How Smoking Affects Dental Implants

Smoking can affect dental implants in several ways:

  • The healing process after implant surgery can be delayed. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and jawbone, which can slow down the formation of new bone tissue around the implant.
  • It weakens your immune system, making it more challenging for the body to fight off infections. This increases the chance of infection and this may raise the possibility of infection following the implant procedure.
  • Smoking can raise the likelihood of implant failure. According to studies, smokers experience implant failure at a higher incidence than non-smokers.
  • Smoking also increases the chances of developing gum disease, which can compromise the stability of the implant. This condition can make the implant more visible by causing the gums to recede, which raises the possibility of infection.
  • Can result in the discoloration of dental crowns. 

Smoking and Dental Implant Success Rate

Smokers have a lower success rate with dental implants than non-smokers. The success rate for smokers is about 85%, while the success rate for non-smokers is about 95%, according to research. The probability of successful dental implants changes based on the person and their smoking habits. The likelihood of success for heavy users may be lower than for occasional smokers.

What to Do If You Smoke and Need Dental Implants

If you smoke and need dental implants, it’s important to discuss your smoking habits with our dentist near you. Our dentist may recommend that you quit smoking before undergoing implant surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Quitting smoking can also improve your overall oral and general health.

If you’re unable to quit smoking, your dentist may still be able to perform implant surgery, but you may need to take extra precautions and be closely monitored for complications.

In summary, smoking can increase the risk of complications after dental implant surgery and reduce the success rate of implants. If you smoke and need dental implants, talk to our dentist in Wainwright about your options and how you can reduce the risk of complications. Quitting smoking can improve your oral and general health and increase the chances of a successful implant procedure.

To protect your oral health, it’s important to quit smoking or avoid tobacco products altogether. If you’re struggling to quit smoking, talk to your healthcare provider about resources and support that can help you quit. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help identify and treat any oral health problems before they become more serious.

Visit Wainwright Family Dental

Are you looking for dental implants in Wainwright or other quality dental care treatment? At our local dental office, we have a team of experts who can help you address all your concerns and successfully restore your smile. 

We encourage you to contact us and book your appointment to get the smile you deserve!