Numerous studies have pointed to a higher likelihood of dental implants failing in patients who are smokers. Here at The Inner West Dental Implant Centre, we want you to know that whatever you do, we will respect your choice and support you. Many of our patients who smoke can have healthy mouths and successful implants. Let’s take a look at the risks involved, and what you can do if you are a smoker and need a dental implant.
Why does smoking affect the success rate of a dental implant?
By now it’s a commonly accepted fact that smoking has numerous health concerns attached to it. When it comes to your oral health, smoking can have a massive impact on your body’s ability to heal problems in your mouth and throat. This is due to smoking reducing the blood flow to the area, and causing blockages to the salivary glands. This results in an increase in disease-causing bacteria staying in the mouth, rather than being flushed away. In the long-term, this can cause an increase in the likelihood of smokers developing mouth and throat cancers.
The success of a dental implant is very much dependent on your body’s ability to heal and fuse your jaw to the implant; the process known as osseointegration. As smoking affects the body’s ability to heal the mouth, you can then see that this also has some serious implications on the success rate of dental implants for smokers.
Further to this, a slower healing rater can promote infections, which can lead to an early implant loss, often in the first three weeks.
So you’re saying that means I can’t get an implant?
While smoking does definitely increase the likelihood of your implant failing, it doesn’t mean that the treatment is completely off the table. There are a few things you can do to bolster the success rate.
1: Stop smoking completely. We understand that this is a very difficult process, and not something you can necessarily just achieve overnight. However, when you think about it, quitting smoking altogether has so many health benefits beyond your ability to get a dental implant, that it really should be something you seriously consider. While your history of smoking will still impact on the dental implant process, quitting will greatly amplify your chances of success.
2: Stop smoking for the healing process. If you simply can’t fathom the idea of stopping smoking entirely, we’d strongly advise you to at least try to refrain from smoking from about two weeks prior to your implant surgery, and for the duration of the healing process. Again, your history of smoking will have an impact, but refraining during this period will certainly improve the chances of success.
- Ensure your at-home oral hygiene routine is absolutely impeccable.
- Visit your dentist every six months for your routine check-up and professional clean.
Want to know more about dental implants?
The Inner West Dental Implant Centre provides world-class treatment for those suffering from tooth loss. Independently owned and operated by Dr Samuel Gidaro, The Inner West Dental Implant Centre was established in 2003 to work in tandem with The Dental Practice Burwood.
The Inner West Dental Implant Centre provides dental implants for single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth and implant supported dentures. We are also able to provide bone grafting if your jawbone has receded, leaving you without sufficient bone to support an implant.
To book a dental implants consultation, please get in contact with The Inner West Dental Implant Centre today and let us help you restore the function and appearance of your smile.
