Smoking Increases the Risk of Dental Implant Failure

If you are considering dental implants, Dr. Avinash Bidra in Glastonbury, near Hartford, CT, warns of the negative relationship between dental implants and smoking. Dental implants are widely considered the optimal treatment for patients with missing teeth, but your body's ability to heal is paramount to the success of this treatment, and smoking can increase the risk of healing complications that ultimately lead to implant failure. In addition, smoking negatively impacts your overall health, and patients who are considering dental implants are advised to quit smoking prior to the implantation surgery. Quitting smoking altogether can also foster many years of dental implant benefits as well as improved overall health.

How does Nicotine affect DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Nicotine has numerous negative effects that can affect the success of dental implants:

Reduced Blood Flow 

When cigarette smoke enters the body, it lowers the amount of oxygen that your blood vessels can carry to areas where it is most needed. While the average healing time for a dental implant candidate is three to six months, a tobacco user may require a much longer healing period. During this time, there is also an increased risk of infection.   

Periodontal Disease 

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, over half of Americans suffer from gum disease. A study performed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information also concluded that there is an association between gum disease and smoking cigarettes. Gum disease can lead to peri-implantitis, an infection that spreads to the gums and bone tissue surrounding implants, weakening these tissues over time. 

According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, patients who smoke have an increased rate of osseointegration failure directly linked to their use of tobacco.

Bone Tissue and Bone Loss 

Smoking has also been linked to bone loss and a decrease in the body's calcium levels. When bone loss occurs in the jaw, it creates an unstable foundation for dental implants. Bone grafting can restore candidacy for those who have compromised bone tissue in the jaw due to any reason. However, for the same reasons that implants are more likely to fail among smokers, the likelihood of a successful bone graft is also diminished. 

Implant Failure 

According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, patients who smoke have an increased rate of osseointegration failure directly linked to their use of tobacco. 

Schedule a Consultation 

If you are a smoker considering dental implants as a means of replacing lost teeth, you should quit smoking prior to dental implant surgery and plan to cease smoking permanently. Refraining from smoking can increase your chances of a successful dental implant placement surgery and even provide other immediate benefits for your overall health. There are several free resources available to help you stop the habit and start a new chapter of health in your life. Call our office at (860) 659-8660 or contact us online to schedule an exam and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.