Everyone knows that smoking is detrimental to your overall health. In fact, it is one of the primary causes of death and illness around the world. Many people are living with smoking-related illnesses, including heart disease, pneumonia, cancer, stroke, and more.
However, most people don’t give much thought to the impact of smoking on oral health, including tooth staining, tooth loss, gum disease, and oral cancer. One of the very first questions patients are asked in a dental implant consultation is: “Do you smoke or use tobacco products?”
Smoking has a detrimental impact on dental implant treatment and can ultimately lead to implant failure. It slows down healing and osseointegration and makes it harder to keep the area around the implant clean. In this article, we’ll explain more about smoking and dental implants.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Smoke?
Smoking does not automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants, but it may have an effect. Your dentist will determine if you qualify for implants during your consultation.
That being said, it is important to understand that smoking can have a detrimental impact on the success of your implants. You may be encouraged to quit smoking or to at least reduce the amount you are smoking before beginning the dental implant process. Most dentists agree that you should cut back to no more than 10 cigarettes per day. If you’re a heavy smoker or have smoked for a long time, some dentists may refuse to provide treatment.
If you are a smoker, your dentist should explain the potential complications of dental implant treatment. You will need to consent to treatment before they can proceed.
During the initial consultation, the dentist will perform a comprehensive examination and review your medical and dental history, as well as your social and smoking habits. This will allow them to establish a treatment plan for the best possible outcome. Proper oral hygiene and healthy gums and jawbone are critical for successful treatment. If you have gum disease or other oral health concerns, those will need to be addressed first.
Smoking and Bone Grafts
One of the primary requirements for dental implants is adequate jawbone density. If your jawbone is inadequate, a bone graft can build up the bone to create the stable base that is required. However, smoking can have a negative impact on the healing of the bone graft, which can impact the entire dental implant procedure.
Impact of Smoking on Dental Implants Explained
This significantly slows healing and harms the long-term health of your gums and jawbone. Smoking prevents successful osseointegration, increasing the risk that implants will not heal properly, as well as the risk of implant failure.
In addition, smoke can burn the soft tissues in your mouth, thickening the top layer of skin cells. This can damage or block your salivary glands, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up because saliva is not being produced to wash it away. Your risk of dry mouth also increases when saliva production decreases.
Smoking After Tooth Extraction
If you are a smoker and need a tooth extracted, you should be aware of a condition known as “dry socket.” This is a very painful condition that may occur after a tooth is removed.
When a tooth is removed, a clot forms over the socket to protect it and support healing. It protects the jawbone and nerve endings and encourages the growth of new gum and jawbone tissue.
Smoking increases your risk of dry socket because the physical action of sucking on the cigarette can cause the clot to come out. In addition, the chemicals in tobacco products can prevent/slow down healing and cause infection at the surgical site. When the clot is dislodged, the socket is left open, exposing the nerves and bone to food debris and bacteria.
Smoking After Dental Implants
Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions following your dental implant procedure. If at all possible, it is recommended that you quit smoking completely. However, if you can’t do this, try to avoid smoking for at least three months, or as long as possible. This will allow osseointegration to begin. For many patients, it may be difficult to wait this long- you can discuss your specific situation with your dentist to create a more realistic timeline.
For several days after implant placement, avoid disturbing the implant site. If you do, you could dislodge the clot, which can cause bleeding. You can brush your teeth, but avoid brushing the implant site directly, rinsing your mouth, spitting, sucking on straws, and smoking. All of these actions can dislodge the clot, which will slow healing.
Are e-cigarettes harmful?
Some research indicates that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, but the full impact of these devices on the body is unknown.
An e-cigarette is a device that contains a heating element that vaporizes liquid. Instead of smoke, the steam created from heating the liquid is inhaled. The most commonly reported side effects of e-cigarettes include dryness and irritation of the mouth/throat.
These side effects can hinder healing after dental implant placement and may increase the risk of tooth decay. One review indicates that e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes, which can be a major motivator to convince people to quit smoking.
Tips for Caring for Dental Implants When You Smoke
If you decide to continue smoking after getting dental implants, you must be extra vigilant with your oral health maintenance practices. Smoking increases your risk of plaque buildup and can cause gum disease to develop and advance quickly.
If you neglect your implants, bacteria and plaque can build up, which will turn into tartar, ultimately leading to gingivitis and gum disease. If left untreated, a condition known as peri-implantitis can develop, the equivalent of periodontal disease around natural teeth. This condition is characterized by soreness, bleeding, and bone loss around the implants- which can ultimately lead to implant failure because your dental implants, like your natural teeth, depend on healthy jawbone tissue for support.
Ideally, you should brush at least twice daily. When you brush, make sure you pay attention to all surfaces of the artificial and natural teeth that you can reach with a toothbrush. For surfaces not accessible with regular brushing, use an interproximal brush or a water flosser.
One of the most obvious effects of smoking is tooth staining due to the tar and nicotine in cigarettes. However, avoid abrasive toothpaste to remove these stains, as it can remove the glaze on porcelain implants and cause wear on acrylic, leaving the artificial teeth looking dull and damaged.
Regular dental exams and dental cleanings are critical for maintaining your dental implants. You may need to visit more often for the first few months to ensure that healing is progressing as expected.
The best option for your oral and overall health is to quit smoking completely. This will help your dental implants heal properly and support the best possible outcome. While it’s not easy, it can be done with a plan and the right support.
FAQs
Can smoking affect the cost of dental implant treatment?
Smoking may increase treatment costs if additional procedures, closer monitoring, or treatment for complications such as gum disease or bone loss are required.
Is it harder for smokers to maintain dental implants?
It can be more challenging because smoking can contribute to plaque buildup, dry mouth, and gum problems. Consistent professional cleanings and daily oral care are especially important.
Can smoking affect the appearance of dental implants?
Smoking can contribute to staining around the teeth and implant-supported restorations. It may also affect the appearance of the surrounding gums if gum health deteriorates.
Can nicotine affect dental implant treatment even without smoking?
Yes. Nicotine itself can affect blood flow and may interfere with the healing environment around an implant. Tell your dentist about nicotine use, including nicotine replacement products.
Should I tell my dentist how much I smoke before getting implants?
Yes. Be honest about your tobacco use, including how frequently you smoke. This information helps your dentist assess potential risks and develop an appropriate treatment and aftercare plan.
How long should I stop smoking after getting dental implants?
It is generally best to avoid smoking for as long as possible after implant placement. Your dentist can recommend a specific timeframe based on your procedure and healing progress.
Can smoking affect a bone graft before dental implants?
Yes. Smoking can interfere with bone healing and may negatively affect the success of a bone graft needed for dental implant treatment.
Can smoking cause peri-implantitis?
Yes. Smoking can increase the risk of inflammation and infection around dental implants, including peri-implantitis, which can lead to bone loss and potentially implant failure.
How can I protect my dental implants if I smoke?
Maintain excellent oral hygiene, brush twice daily, clean between your teeth and implants, attend regular dental checkups, and follow your dentist’s post-treatment instructions. Quitting smoking provides the best protection for your implants.