The Effects Of Smoking On Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth roots designed to provide patients with a permanent base for fixed replacement teeth. Dental implants are an effective, long-term solution for those who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. These implants fit, feel, and function like natural teeth. There are three components of dental implants. First, is the implant itself, a screw that permanently attaches to the jaw and acts as the root for your new teeth. The second is the abutment, a permanent connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth in place. The third is the crown, a prosthetic tooth usually made of porcelain for durability. Together, these three components make up what we know as a dental implant.

How Smoking Can Negatively Impact Dental Implants

Smoking can dramatically minimize the success and longevity of dental implants. Not only does smoking slow post-surgical healing, but it can lead to a more painful recovery from the implant placement surgery in many cases. Additionally, smoking can interfere with osseointegration, which is the firm anchoring of a surgical implant such as a dental implant. Once the dental implant is placed, it’s left for several months to heal and integrate with the supporting bone and tissue. Smoking directly interferes with the body’s healing capabilities, so it can negatively impact or slow osseointegration. This may not seem like a big deal, but the slowing of osseointegration can lead to the failure of your implant. Not only can smoking negatively affect implant placement and osseointegration, but it can also negatively impact the long-term results of your dental implant procedure.

Smoking, Gum Disease, & Dental Implants

Smokers are at an increased risk of developing gum disease. This matters when it comes to dental implants because gum disease breaks down the jaw bone and impends the stability of the dental implants. If the dental implants are unable to stabilize, the risk for implant failure increases exponentially. Because smoking directly interferes with the body’s healing capabilities, it can also create a challenge for treating gum disease when it does occur. Smokers will inevitably have more challenges in caring for dental implants than non-smokers. However, dental implants can still work with the proper care and maintenance, and a successful outcome is still possible.

Contact Us Today For Dental Implants

Whether you need general dentistry, emergency dentistry, or dental implants, the professional team at Smile Zone Dental has you covered. Whether you live in Monroe, Canton, or Fort Gratiot, we can provide you with the premier dental care you need and deserve. If you’re a smoker, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re excluded from getting dental implants. If you smoke and are interested in learning whether or not you’re a candidate for dental implants, contact our expert team today. We will evaluate your oral health and determine if dental implants are right for you.