Aside from ruining your appearance, missing teeth lead to a host of dental problems. Fortunately, dental implants have had a tremendously positive effect on the lives of patients with missing teeth. They are the gold standard for tooth replacement because they so closely mimic the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
Smoking and Dental Implants
If you smoke more than a pack of cigarettes a day, there are a few things you need to know before deciding if implants are right for you.
- Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants placed at our Kauai dental office become a permanent part of your dental anatomy. The implant gains its stability when the titanium bonds fully with surrounding bone and tissue in a process called osseointegration. Therefore, the success of an implant relies on the health of your gums. Smoking slows down the process of osseointegration, which can ultimately cause the implant to fail.
- Smoking will also impact your post-surgical healing since it affects your body’s natural ability to heal itself. This can lead to delays in the implant process and a slower, more painful recovery.
- With proper care, dental implants will last a lifetime. If you smoke, it’s critical for you to be conscientious with your oral hygiene and your routine dental care. Smokers develop bacterial plaque faster than nonsmokers, and If plaque is not removed with adequate oral hygiene and scheduled dental cleanings, you are at greater risk for implant failure than a nonsmoker.
Considering Dental Implants? Give Us a Call!
If you smoke and are thinking about having dental implants placed, please call our Kauai dental office to arrange a consultation. We will take steps to ensure that your gums are healthy and arrange routine appointments to make sure that your implant is successful.