Effect of Smoking on Dental Implants

Cigarettes contain more than 4,000 toxins that can affect your body in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that smoking not only increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancers, but it also interferes with your dental health. If you smoke, you may be more likely to suffer from bad breath, dry mouth, tooth decay, root canal complications and gum disease. You may also be more likely to have complications with dental implants.

Researchers in Brazil studied a group of implant candidates. While some had never smoked before, the rest of the candidates smoked at least 10 cigarettes a day for five years or longer. After the implants had been placed and allowed to heal, the bone tissue located at the implant site was evaluated. The researchers noted a significant connection between poor bone density and smoking, as it compromised the healing process and may have increased the risk of implant failure.

The toxins may be partly responsible for this. Yet, the nicotine can also be to blame, as it is a powerful vasoconstrictor. Nicotine reduces blood flow and nutrient delivery, which can delay or complicate healing. It also inhibits the growth of the cells needed to build and heal bone tissues. If you smoke and have suffered tooth loss, quitting will protect your future dental health and improve your outcome after implant surgery.

If you are not yet ready to quit, we can help with supportive options. Temporarily quitting before and immediately after your implants procedure may be a good option. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our expert in dental implants in Los Angeles.

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