Dental Implants & Smoking

Dental implants are a remarkable solution for patients seeking a natural and lasting tooth replacement option. However, there’s a crucial factor that can significantly affect the investment of dental implants: smoking. In this blog, we’re exploring how smoking can negatively impact implants and provide essential tips for maintaining your dental implants!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a top choice for tooth replacement due to their numerous benefits, including:

• Durability
• Natural appearance
• Improved oral functionality
• Bone health maintenance

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, providing a long-term solution that doesn’t require frequent replacements and blends seamlessly with natural teeth!

How Smoking Negatively Impacts Dental Implants

While dental implants offer incredible benefits, smoking, and other lifestyle habits can compromise their success. Smoking can also affect your candidacy for dental implants. Here are three common ways this habit can negatively impact dental implants:

• Delayed Healing: Smoking impairs blood circulation and oxygen delivery, slowing the healing process after implant surgery.
• Increased Risk of Infection: Smokers are more susceptible to infections, which can lead to implant failure.
• Gum Recession: Smoking can cause gum tissue to recede, exposing the implant and increasing the risk of implant loss. Also, while you cannot get cavities on an implant, they are still susceptible to gum disease. Smokers are at higher risk of periodontal disease, and thus implant loss.

How to Care for Dental Implants

If you desire to get dental implants, the best step you can take is to quit smoking. By quitting, you can significantly enhance the success of your dental implants and improve overall oral health. Did you know dentists and dental hygienists are trained on smoking cessation?

Other ways to care for your dental implants include brushing and flossing regularly to prevent plaque buildup around the implant area, scheduling routine checkups to monitor the implant’s health, and using a night guard to protect against teeth grinding.

Learn More About Dental Implants in Anchorage, AK

Dental implants offer life-changing benefits, but smoking can hinder their success. By quitting smoking and maintaining excellent oral hygiene, you can enjoy the full advantages of dental implants and a confident, radiant smile. To find out if dental implants are right for you, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable dentists!

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