Can You Get Dental Implants If You Smoke?
Posted on: 11 July 2018
Today, patients have many restorative options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. While dentures and bridges are very effective, there's no denying that dental implants are the superior option. Other dental prostheses sit on top of the gum tissue. Dental implants are actually inserted into the jawbone and are permanent.
Besides being a permanent solution, implants act very similarly to tooth roots. When a tooth is missing, the bone density actually decreases since there is no tooth root to stimulate the bone. You'll be able to maintain strong bone density with implants.
Some patients who smoke worry they can't get implants. Read on to learn why smoking is a concern and how to increase your implant success rates.
Why is Smoking Bad for Dental Health?
The chemicals in tobacco products can cause your blood vessels to constrict, meaning that you may get poor circulation to your gum tissues. It's vital to have good circulation so that you can heal properly after an implant procedure.
Besides affecting vessels, tobacco products are known for contributing to periodontal disease, meaning these products can cause gum recession and damage bone fibers that secure teeth.
In the past, implants may not have been a viable option for smokers. But implant services today have very good success rates. If you are willing to work with your doctor, implants could still be an option.
What Can You Do to Improve Your Success Rates?
If you cannot seem to quit, the good news is that you only may need to stop the habit a few weeks before and after surgery. Even cutting back on smoking for a short amount of time can really help.
Besides following your doctor's orders for when you need to stop smoking, you may need to consider bone grafts. Implants can only succeed if they have good jaw bone to integrate into. If you get a graft, again, you can increase your success rates.
Before surgery, consider having scaling and root planing (SRP). SRP is a type of deep cleaning where dentists clean under the gumline and inside gum pockets. You should also ask your dentist for special toothpaste that is geared towards smokers. This kind of toothpaste is more abrasive than regular brands and will help you keep your oral cavity clean so that you can reduce the chances of infection.
If you want to replace missing teeth, contact a dental office like Renovo Endodontic Studio for more information on implant services.
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