If you have been to a dentist seeking to receive dental implants, you may have heard them ask you, “do you smoke?” Smoking, just like alcohol consumption, is a big concern when planning to get dental implants.
When I get a patient who wants to have dental implants, I first evaluate them. I know that some habits may restrict them from getting implants. I talk to my patients about their habits. Suppose they find they smoke or consume alcohol. In that case, I ask them to stop in the period before implant placement, during the implant placement procedure, and after the placement during the healing. Better still, I ask them if they can break the habit entirely; it would be a wise decision.
What if I Smoke After Receiving Dental Implants?
Well, things may not all be well. Smoking after getting dental implants can cause many complications.
First, smoking can lead to implant failure. Smokers with dental implants are more likely to get oral infections such as gum disease or peri-implantitis. These infections can affect the stability of the implants, causing them to become loose and fail prematurely.
Peri-implantitis is when bacteria build up around the base of implants, making the surrounding gum and the bone get infected and inflamed. When there is an infection around the implant, it loosens the artificial tooth. Eventually, you may have too loose implants that you have to get a replacement. This can be costly for you.
If peri-implantitis is not treated, it can cause bone deterioration. As a result, it may prevent the bone from fusing with the implants. If the bond has already fused through osseointegration, it can dissolve because of the infection.
Ultimately, if you smoke after dental implants, you should ensure you remain diligent with your oral hygiene to lower the risk of implant failure.
Second, tobacco smoking slows down the recovery process. Smoking can extend the recovery time after receiving dental implant surgery. I have seen cases where patients who had dental implants take up to a year and a half or more to recover instead of the average recovery timeframe of six to 12 months.
If you are facing any problems after getting dental implants and if by any chance you happen to be in Fairfield, CT then we recommend you to book an appointment with Dr. Dani Dental – Pannese DDS, LLC , dentist in Fairfield, CT!