Today, everyone is aware of the risks to one’s health when you smoke. There are many health warnings related to smoking online, on the TV, on the cigarette boxes and provided by medical authorities. But did you know that smoking can impact your suitability for dental implants as well?

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the impact of smoking on your ability to receive dental implants.

The impacts of smoking

Most of the focus on the negative health impact of smoking is understandably related to one’s heart and lungs. However, your oral health and in particular your suitability for dental implants is an area that can really be affected as well but does not garner the same amount of attention or focus.

Many patients discover that they may not be suitable for dental implants only once they are in the clinic. Unaware of the impacts of smoking, patients are often disappointed to discover that it may prevent them from receiving the treatment expected.

To be clear, it is not always the case that someone who is a smoker cannot have dental implants. Nor is it the case that dental implants won’t be provided to a smoker for reasons other than health.

The reality is however that medical and health issues caused by smoking can affect dental implant suitability. Even successful implant surgery can be derailed later by continuing to smoke.

So, why is this the case? Let’s dive into some of the specific health issues related to smoking that can impact dental implants being fitted.

The Oral Health Impact of Smoking

1. Smoking Lowers Immunity Levels

Although the risk is very small, one health issue that can occur as a result of having the surgery necessary for dental implants fitted is infection.

The vast majority of patients will never have a problem and won’t develop an infection. In fact, our dentists operate according to the strictest of standards, ensure equipment is completely sterile and take the greatest of precautions to ensure that this risk is minimised.

But, if a patient should have some kind of infection, the chances that their immune system is compromised to some degree by the fact that they smoke is higher. If this is the case as well, any antibiotics that are prescribed may take longer to kill the bacteria or get rid of the infection.

2. Smoking Damages Blood Vessels

Dental implants require minor surgery to be fitted. In summary, for the titanium base on which the artificial tooth is connected to be fitted into the jawbone the bone itself needs to be healthy enough to heal. Similarly, the surrounding gums need to be healthy and well to ensure success.

Smoking can negatively impact both of these aspects. By constricting blood vessels and therefore affecting the flow of nutrients and oxygen, smoking can prevent the healing process post-surgery from happening. Without proper healing, the likelihood of successful implants is significantly lowered.

3. Smoking Can Weaken Bone Structure

As mentioned, the health of one’s jawbone is an essential component to ensuring successful dental implant surgery. Unfortunately, another consequence of smoking is the weakening of bone structures. If a jawbone’s strength is compromised, it may affect the suitability of dental implants.

It is possible in some cases for a bone graft to overcome this issue, but only if the individual has given up smoking. Bone grafts are highly susceptible to failure among those who continue smoking.

4. Smoking Can Cause Additional Oral Health Issues

The better one’s oral health, the more likely one’s dental implants are going to be a success. Good oral health is important for a lot of things, implant surgery included.

People who smoke, even if they brush and floss regularly, are more at risk of gum disease compared to those who do not smoke. This oral health condition can result in someone being unsuitable for receiving dental implants until the disease is treated effectively.

Need expert dental advice? Call us today

If you’d like to find out more about your own suitability for dental implants or you want to discuss the effects of smoking on oral health in more detail, give our team a call or book in your next consultation online.