A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that smokers who got dental implants are at a greater risk of experiencing implant failure, infection, and bone loss than nonsmokers. After investing in your new smile, you want to make sure that you take proper care of your implants so they last. Learn how smoking can put your oral and overall health at risk and make it difficult for your mouth to heal after implant surgery.
What Do the Studies Say?
In a study that observed 66 patients with dental implants over 5 years, they found that 15.8% of smokers had failing implants while only 1.4% did with nonsmokers. In an additional study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2016, researchers found that smokers were at twice the risk of experiencing dental implant failure.
Keep in mind that using tobacco is associated with serious diseases and health issues. So, what should you do if you need dental implants but you’re a smoker? Your best bet is to quit smoking before the surgery to reduce your chances of developing countless oral health problems.
What Oral Health Issues are Associated with Smoking?
Tobacco use is a known risk factor for countless diseases and problems. Quitting won’t only protect your oral health, but also your overall health. Some associated oral issues with this habit include:
- Bad breath
- Discoloration
- Increased risk of developing oral cancer
- Increased risk of developing gum disease
- Faster rate of plaque and tartar buildup on teeth
- More susceptible to tooth loss
How Does Smoking Affect Your Dental Implants?
Studies about the harmful effects of tobacco use have been conducted for years. They’ve shown that nicotine can reduce blood flow, burn oral tissues, and damage salivary glands. These are all serious consequences for your oral health and your dental implants.
When you’re experiencing a lack of blood flow, it impedes your ability to properly heal from implant surgery. Additionally, your oral tissues are vital in supporting jawbone growth. When you inhale smoke, it burns your mouth and eventually creates a thick layer of skin cells, making a fibrous tissue instead of more bone. Your salivary glands also keep your mouth from drying out and becoming a bacterial breeding ground.
Quitting smoking is a tough habit to kick, but your oral and overall wellbeing will drastically improve when you do, making it well worth it. After investing in your smile, make sure it lasts by taking necessary steps to improve your oral health.
About the Practice
At Pearl Dental Associates, we take the time to treat our patients as the individuals that they are. We understand that everyone that walks through our doors has different needs and concerns, and we go out of our way to address each one. Our team of dentists offers decades of experience, so you’re sure to feel safe in our hands! For any questions or to schedule an appointment at our Scituate location, visit Pearl Dental Associates’ website or contact 781-545-9244.