How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health and the Success of Dental Implants

Considering getting dental implants but worried about how smoking might impact the outcome? You’re right to be concerned. At Highlands Ranch Periodontics and Dental Implants, we want our patients to know the potential complications and risks associated with smoking and dental implants.

This blog post will discuss how smoking affects oral health, why it may lead to implant failure and the benefits of quitting smoking before starting any dental implant procedure.

The Impact of Smoking on Oral Health

It’s no secret that smoking comes with a long list of health risks. However, when it comes to dental health, one aspect that often gets overlooked is how smoking can lead to oral health issues. Here at Highlands Ranch Periodontics and Dental Implants, we witness firsthand the consequences of smoking among our patients. 

Some of these consequences include:

1. Inflammation: Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums, making them more prone to inflammation. This chronic inflammation can lead to gum disease and tissue damage.
2. Periodontal disease: Smokers are more likely to develop periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss. In fact, in a study performed in the US, smokers over the age of 18 were, on average, four times more likely to have periodontitis than persons who had never smoked. The study found a connection between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the likelihood of having periodontitis. Individuals smoking 31 cigarettes or more were six times more likely to have periodontitis compared to those smoking nine cigarettes or less per day.
3. Tooth loss: Due to the increased risk of periodontal disease, smokers are more likely to experience tooth loss. Additionally, a study published in Science Daily found that male smokers are up to 3.6 times more likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers; and female smokers are 2.5 times more likely.

The Influence of Smoking on Dental Implant Success

Not only does smoking impact your overall oral health, but it also influences the success rate of dental implants. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Implant failure: Research has shown that smokers have a higher risk of dental implant failure compared to non-smokers. The reduced blood flow caused by smoking impairs the body’s ability to integrate the implant with the surrounding bone, diminishing its stability.
2. Slow healing: Smoking hinders the body’s natural healing process, slowing down tissue healing around surgical sites. As a result, it takes much longer for the dental implant to heal and settle.
3. Higher risk of infections: A weakened immune system caused by smoking increases the risk of infections after dental implant procedures. Infections can lead to implant failure or other complications.

What Smokers Can Do to Improve Dental Implant Success

Quitting smoking is the best and most effective solution for improving the success rate of dental implants. Even temporary cessation for a few weeks before and after the dental implant procedure can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist for check-ups and cleanings can contribute to a successful dental implant experience.

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking for Your Oral Health

Quitting smoking benefits more than just the success rate of dental implants. It can benefit your overall oral health by reducing inflammation, decreasing the risk of periodontal disease, and preserving natural teeth. Within just a few weeks of quitting smoking, your body’s immune response begins to improve, facilitating the healing process for any dental procedures you undergo.

At Highlands Ranch Periodontics and Dental Implants, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health. If you’re a smoker considering dental implants, we encourage you to take the necessary steps to quit before the procedure. Doing so will help improve your chances of experiencing a successful implant experience and maintain good oral health for years to come.

If you are searching for dental implants in Denver or dental implants in Centennial, contact us today! Call (303) 683-1144 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form. We look forward to meeting you!

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