Implant Success & Why It Might Be Time To Quit Smoking
Are you considering dental implant surgery but are also a tobacco product user or smoker? If so, it’s important to understand the impact that tobacco products and smoking can have on dental implant success. At Eggleston Dental Care, our Turlock implant dentist, Dr. Eggleston, recommends that patients who smoke or use tobacco products quit at least a few months before and after the implant surgery. Learn more about the impact of tobacco products and smoking on dental implant success and how giving up these products can lead to better implant success.
Tobacco Products, Smoking, and Dental Implant Success: What You Need to Know
Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff, contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can harm dental implant success. Smoking or using tobacco products can increase the risk of implant failure by up to 20 percent. This is because tobacco use can reduce blood flow, slow down the healing process, and weaken the jawbone.
Additionally, tobacco use can increase the risk of infections, which can also lead to implant failure. Smoking or using tobacco products before and after implant surgery can also increase the risk of complications, such as implant rejection or implant loss.
How Tobacco Products and Smoking Affect Dental Implant Success
Tobacco products and smoking can have several negative effects on dental implant success, including:
Reduced Blood Flow
Smoking or using tobacco products can reduce blood flow, which can slow down the healing process and make it harder for the implant to fuse with the jawbone.
Weakened Jawbone
Tobacco use can weaken the jawbone and make it more susceptible to damage or implant failure.
Delayed Healing
Smoking can impede the healing process by reducing blood flow to the surgical site, which can delay the integration of the implant with the bone. Delayed healing can also increase the risk of infection, which can lead to implant failure.
Gum Disease
Smoking and tobacco use can increase the risk of gum disease, which can weaken the bone and tissue supporting the implant. Gum disease can also lead to implant failure.
Discoloration
Smoking can also cause discoloration of the implant and the surrounding teeth, which can be unsightly and difficult to fix.
Implant Failure
Smokers are at a higher risk of implant failure due to the lack of blood flow and oxygen to the surgical site. The chemicals in tobacco products can also damage the bone and gum tissue, which can result in implant failure.
How to Improve Dental Implant Success if You Use Tobacco Products or Smoke
If you’re considering dental implant surgery but use tobacco products or smoke, there are a few steps you can take to improve your chances of success:
Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco Products
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products at least a few months before and after implant surgery can significantly improve your chances of success.
Improve Your Oral Health
Improving your oral health through regular brushing and flossing, attending biannual dental cleanings, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can also improve your chances of success.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Following your dentist’s instructions, including proper oral hygiene and attending follow-up appointments, can also help ensure a successful implant surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I quit smoking or using tobacco products before and after implant surgery?
It’s recommended that you quit at least a few months before and after implant surgery. This can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications and implant failure.
Can I smoke or use tobacco products after implant surgery?
It’s recommended that patients quit smoking and all tobacco use altogether to increase the success rate of their dental implants. However, if you must smoke, it’s crucial to wait at least two weeks after surgery before smoking. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications, so it’s essential to follow your dentist’s recommendations carefully.
Can e-cigarettes or vaping have the same impact on dental implant success as traditional smoking?
While there’s less research on the impact of e-cigarettes or vaping on dental implant success, they still contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can harm the healing process and implant success.
Can I use nicotine patches or gum after dental implant surgery?
Nicotine patches and gum can also impede the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. It’s recommended that patients avoid nicotine products during the healing process.
Take Action for Implant Success – Contact Eggleston Dental Care!
At Eggleston Dental Care, we understand the importance of proper preparation and maintenance to ensure successful implant surgery and healing. That’s why we advise all patients to quit smoking or using tobacco products at least two weeks before surgery and avoid them during the healing process. If you have questions about tobacco use and dental implant success or would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation with our implant dentist, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
You can call our Turlock, CA, dental office at (209) 690-8051 or schedule an appointment by clicking the button below. Remember, the use of tobacco products can have a significant negative impact on dental implant success. By quitting smoking or using tobacco products before and during the healing process, you can help ensure the success of your dental implant procedure.