While most people are aware of the negative health effects of smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products, but smoking can be particularly threatening to restorative dentistry. Dental implants especially face a heightened risk of failure when implanted into the mouth of a smoker, especially if you continue to smoke during the implant placement process.
For the best chance of success, we here at Littleton Implants & Periodontics would like you to know the harmful effects of smoking before, during, and after the placement of your dental implants. Being informed of the risks allows you to benefit from a healthy and safe procedure and recovery.
Dental Implants & Smoking
Below are a few risks of smoking with dental implants:
- Infection – All surgeries carry some risk of infection, even in a healthy mouth. If you are exposing your tissues to tobacco and the other chemicals in cigarettes, infection becomes even more likely. Smoking also decreases the body’s ability to recover properly, increasing the risk of a dangerous infection following dental implant surgery.
- Gum Disease – Implants or no implants, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of gum disease and periodontal issues. Tobacco and the other chemicals found in cigarettes cause damage to the regenerative qualities of gum tissue, which will result in disease of the gum tissue. Untreated gum disease will eventually also lead to bone loss and the eventual loss of the tooth. When coupled with dental implants, these dangers are even more likely.
- Recovery Time – Even if you happen to avoid gum disease and infection following dental implant surgery, smoking may cause your body to take a longer time to recover, while non-smokers benefit from an easier and quicker recovery time.
Here at Littleton Implants & Periodontics, it’s important to us that you know of all the risks associated with your procedure. For more information on how to have successful dental implants or to make an appointment, please contact Littleton Implants & Periodontics located here in Littleton, Colorado.