Are you struggling with tooth loss? One of the most popular and effective ways to replace your missing pearly whites is with dental implants. Not only will they rebuild your teeth from the roots up, but they’ll also help preserve your jawbone and prevent dental drifting. However, the success of your restoration treatment can be negatively impacted if you typically use tobacco products. Keep reading to learn about smoking and dental implants, and how to ensure a successful procedure!
How Does Smoking Negatively Affect Dental Implants?
Years of research have consistently found that smoking tobacco is detrimental to your oral and overall health. In fact, this unhealthy dental habit is often linked to serious complications, such as the loss of gum tissue. Furthermore, these products contain toxins that can interrupt the healing process, which can be incredibly problematic after undergoing treatments like dental implant surgery. Studies have also found that patients who are stressed about not being able to smoke are also left more susceptible to infection. That said, smoking tobacco can significantly increase your risk of dental implant failure, which is why your dentist strongly encourages you to quit.
Is Smoking Okay After Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery?
While this may be possible, your dental implant can still fail even after you’ve fully healed from the procedure. Using tobacco will increase the rate of bone loss and wreak havoc on your soft oral tissues. For this reason, patients who smoke are twice as likely to experience dental implant failure compared to non-smokers. To avoid any complications with your tooth replacement treatment, you might consider kicking this habit to the curb!
6 Ways to Prevent Dental Implant Failure
Though smoking tobacco is a crucial factor that can lead to dental implant failure, it isn’t the only one. If you want to ensure a safe and smooth recovery process, be sure to practice the following measures:
- Refrain from poor oral habits like smoking, using your teeth as tools, and chewing on ice.
- Maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine.
- Keep a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
- Minimize how often you consume sugar.
- Eat soft foods after your dental implant surgery, such as applesauce and oatmeal.
- Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months.
So, if you’re interested in restoring your smile with dental implants, make sure to keep these few tips in mind to avoid failure, including quitting smoking. Feel free to speak with your dental team if this is an issue, and they’ll be happy to provide the support, resources, and guidance you need to kick the habit for good!
About the Author
Dr. Lauri Barge earned her dental doctorate from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. She’s also a proud member of numerous prominent organizations like the Denton County Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. She offers a wide selection of comprehensive services, including dental implants. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call her at 972-539-3800.