Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because they’re usually considered more resilient and last longer than alternatives, such as dentures and dental bridges. Additionally, they have a high success rate of over 90%, meaning they’re typically incredibly reliable.
However, they’re not completely invincible. Certain habits, like smoking, can harm your prosthetic and can even cause it to fail. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between tobacco products and dental health to preserve your recently restored smile!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
These replacement teeth are the only ones that involve surgically placing a titanium rod into your jawbone to function like a root. Once it’s placed, it stimulates new bone growth in your jaw with every bite. Over the next three to six months, your mouth produces enough material to completely envelop and fuse with the metal pole, making it a sturdy, permanent part of your grin.
Then, your dentist will provide a lifelike restoration, like a dental crown, and place it over your implant to close the space in your smile. These are usually made from durable ceramic that can be customized to be the right shape, shade, and size for seamless results.
How Does Smoking Impact Oral Health?
Many patients who smoke don’t realize that they’re damaging their dental health. Cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco products contain nicotine, a highly addictive alkaloid found naturally in tobacco plants. It releases dopamine in the brain and stimulates the central nervous system, boosting your mood and concentration.
Unfortunately, it’s also a vasoconstrictor, meaning it reduces the oxygen levels and flow of your blood. Your body can’t deliver essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your mouth without enough healthy circulation. This increases the risk of developing dental issues, like cavities or gum disease.
Can I Smoke with Dental Implants?
If you regularly smoke and have been struggling to quit, getting dental implants might just be the motivation you need! Your habit makes you more vulnerable to oral problems that can hurt your prosthetic. For instance, the number one leading cause of failure is a pervasive form of periodontal disease called peri-implantitis. This infection can spread to your jawbone and erode the materials holding your new tooth in place, destabilizing it.
According to a 2021 meta-analysis of hundreds of thousands of implants placed in smokers and non-smokers, researchers discovered that those who regularly use tobacco products present a 140.2% higher risk of experiencing failure.
Getting dental implants can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality, potentially for the remainder of your natural life. However, you must care for them properly to continue enjoying their many benefits, including quitting smoking!
About the Practice
Patients at Marvel Dental & Orthodontics benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping them build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. They share decades of combined experience providing comprehensive services to conveniently meet all your and your family’s needs at one location, including dental implants. They combine a compassionate approach and attention to detail with state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the implant process in the office, including oral surgery. If you want to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (682) 772-3072.