Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants?

Posted in Practice News

Smoking and using vaping devices can cause severe side effects that affect dental implants, not to mention your natural teeth, gums, and overall health. If you have dental implants or are considering these revolutionary missing teeth replacement options, it is important to remember that the risks that accompany the use of tobacco products are still very prevalent. The results of dental implants can often last for many years with the proper care; however, poor habits such as smoking, vaping, and using other forms of tobacco may shorten the lifespan of dental implants, or cause them to fail rather quickly after they have been placed. Using tobacco products can also affect other implant treatments, such as implant-supported dentures and All-On-4^® dentures. 

Dental implants rely heavily on the structural integrity of your jawbone, its density, and its ability to hold the restoration into place. Smoking and the use of tobacco can break down the health of your teeth and gums over time, potentially causing decreased durability and improper functionality. These habits can also raise the risk of infection and other complications after the implants are placed. Dental implants contain a titanium post that gradually fuses to the jawbone. On the surface, the dental implant is connected to a porcelain crown. This crown is designed to look natural and blend with the color of your surrounding teeth. If oral structures and tissues become too weak or unhealthy, the implants can fail. Smoking can also lead to stains and discoloration on the teeth. Although dental implant crowns are stain-resistant, surrounding teeth that become discolored by tobacco products can disrupt the blend with the implant crowns, causing an imbalanced aesthetic. 

Our team highly recommends that patients quit smoking and the use of other tobacco products at least a month before a dental implant procedure and refrain from smoking in the future. 

Contact our practice today if you would like to know more about dental implants or other advanced treatments available here at Sutra Dental Spa!