Dental implants are a popular, effective solution for missing teeth. They provide a permanent, natural-looking replacement that can improve your oral health and overall quality of life. However, if you’re a smoker, you may be at a higher risk for complications and implant failure. Our Vincennes, IN, implant dentist, Dr. Eric Herman, will discuss the effects of smoking on dental implants and what you can do to prevent them.
Smoking has been consistently linked to an increased risk of implant failure. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that smokers had a higher risk of implant failure compared to non-smokers. Smoking can also negatively impact oral health, impairing treatment with dental implants. Other patient-related risk factors for implant therapy include a history of radiotherapy, local bone quality and quantity, and diabetes.
Osseointegration is the critical process where the dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone, ensuring stability and support for the artificial tooth. Smoking has been shown to impede this process, leading to delayed osseointegration. Harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as nicotine and tar, restrict blood flow to the bone and soft tissues, hindering the body’s ability to heal properly after implant surgery. Consequently, the implant’s integration with the jawbone is slowed, increasing the risk of implant failure.
Several studies have established a strong association between smoking and implant failure. Implants in smokers have a substantially higher chance of loosening, becoming unstable, or even leading to complete implant loss compared to non-smokers. The compromised healing process and reduced bone density caused by smoking contribute to this heightened risk, making it crucial for dental professionals to educate patients about the potential consequences of smoking on implant success.
Peri-implantitis is a severe inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. It’s often considered the implant equivalent of periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Smoking has been identified as a significant risk factor for the development and progression of peri-implantitis.
The toxic components in cigarette smoke can exacerbate inflammation, weaken the supporting tissues, and compromise the implant’s stability. Smoking also weakens the immune system, leaving implant sites vulnerable to bacterial invasion.
Successful implant surgery depends on efficient wound healing at the surgical site. Smoking adversely affects this crucial process by causing vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), reduced oxygen supply, and compromised nutrient delivery to the healing tissues. As a result, smokers may experience delayed wound closure, increased risk of infection, and decreased overall healing capacity. These factors significantly hinder the success and longevity of dental implants.
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential for the long-term success of dental implants. Smoking can pose challenges to maintaining good oral health around implants. The increased risk of peri-implantitis and compromised soft tissue health may necessitate more frequent professional cleanings and meticulous home care for smokers compared to non-smokers.
If you’re a smoker, there are several preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of implant failure.
Ready to improve your smile and overall oral health with dental implants? If you’re a smoker, our expert dental team in Vincennes, IN, can guide you through the process while addressing the effects of smoking on implant success. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric Herman today at (812)-882-1572 to discuss your eligibility for dental implants.
You can also fill out our convenient online contact form, and one of our team members will get back to you shortly. Herman Family Dentistry proudly provides implant dentistry services to patients in the Vincennes area and the surrounding areas like Washington, Bruceville, and Decker, IN.
Dr. Eric Herman
608 South Quail Run Road
Vincennes, IN
USA 47591
New Patients:
812-882-1572
Current Patients:
812-882-1572
Monday: 9AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 9AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 9AM – 5PM
Thursday: 9AM – 5PM
Friday: 9AM – 4PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed