When someone is looking to replace missing teeth, one option that often stands out is dental implants. They are seen as the gold standard as they give you up to 90% of your bite back without any slipping. However, many dentists will want to know about your smoking habits before letting you get this treatment. Here’s how it can affect your candidacy and whether it’ll stop you from getting a full smile.
What Does Smoking Do to Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace a missing tooth from the root up. A titanium post is inserted and fused to your jawbone, using it as a foundation to be reliable and strong. This process is known as osseointegration, but it takes several months to fully finish.
Smoking poses a threat to this part of your treatment. When you do it, it dries your mouth by burning your oral tissues. It makes them thicker, meaning they may eventually block or damage your salivary glands. When you can’t produce enough saliva, bacteria can linger and cause gum disease or failure.
You may also have slow healing as this habit narrows the blood vessels in your mouth. The implant site won’t be able to get the nutrients, immune cells, and oxygen it needs. This can make you end up with a wobbly replacement.
Do I Have to Rule Out Dental Implants If I’m a Smoker?
While smoking can have a big impact on dental implants, you shouldn’t rule them out entirely. There are many successful cases, but you should partner with your dentist to learn how you can improve your odds.
One way that can help is by quitting the habit entirely. Doing so will help you avoid the complications above! For some, that may be out of the question, so you can consider stopping temporarily. A week before your procedure and at least three months afterward may help, but your provider can give you more detailed guidance on what you should do.
Dental implants are an investment in your grin that you should protect so you can enjoy them for decades. By talking with your dentist, you can learn more about how smoking can affect your eligibility for them and if anything else is needed beforehand. While you may not be excited about preliminary treatments, they can get you a step closer to a full smile you feel confident in.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed earned her dental degree from the UNMC College of Dentistry and earned her certificate of specialization in prosthodontics. This means she is an expert when it comes to restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth. Dr. Reed can complete the entire dental implant process in-house, so you can stick with her and her team throughout. If you want to know how your smoking habits affect your candidacy, schedule an appointment or call her office at (402) 488-5007.
