Dental Implants for Smokers: What You Need to Know

Dental Implants for Smokers: What You Need to Know

29-08-2024

Dental implants have revolutionised the field of restorative dentistry, offering a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for tooth loss. At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic in Leicester, we believe in helping every patient achieve a healthy, confident smile, regardless of their dental history.

If you smoke, you might be wondering whether dental implants are an option for you and how smoking can affect the success of your treatment. Today we’ll explore everything you need to know and what steps you can take to ensure the best possible outcome.

How Smoking Affects Oral Health

Before diving into the relationship between smoking and dental implants, it’s essential to understand how smoking affects your oral health. Tobacco use, whether through cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes, has a range of detrimental effects on your mouth, including:

• Gum Disease: Smoking results in twice the risk of developing gum disease which can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and bone deterioration. Healthy gums are critical for the success of dental implants, as they provide the foundation for the implant post.
• Reduced Blood Flow: Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums and oral tissues, impeding the body’s ability to heal after dental procedures. This is particularly concerning for dental implant surgery, where proper healing is essential for the implant to integrate with the bone.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Smoking can contribute to dry mouth which reduces saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralising acids and washing away food particles and bacteria. A lack of saliva can increase the risk of infection and complications following implant surgery.
• Oral Cancer Risk: Smokers are up to 10 times more likely to develop oral cancers, which can significantly impact your overall health and the feasibility of certain dental procedures.

Understanding these risks is critical when considering dental implants as a smoker. While implants are still possible for smokers, there are specific challenges and considerations that need to be addressed.

Dental Implants for Smokers: The Risks

The success of dental implants depends on a process called osseointegration, where the implant post fuses with the jawbone to create a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Smoking can interfere with this process, leading to a higher risk of implant failure. Here are some specific risks that smokers face:

• Delayed Healing: As mentioned earlier, smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, which can delay the healing process after surgery. Slow healing increases the risk of infection and can prevent the implant from properly integrating with the bone.
• Increased Risk of Infection: Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off This is particularly concerning after implant surgery, where any infection around the implant site can lead to complications and potentially cause implant failure.
• Implant Failure: Studies have shown that smokers are at a higher risk of dental implant failure compared to non-smokers – by 140.2% in fact. The likelihood of implant failure is particularly high for heavy smokers, defined as those who smoke more than 25 cigarettes per day.
• Bone Loss: Smoking contributes to bone loss in the jaw, which can make it difficult to place implants securely. Smokers may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting, to build up the bone before implants can be placed.

Despite these risks, dental implants can still be successful for smokers with the right approach. At The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic, we tailor our treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, and we’re here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Steps to Improve Dental Implant Success

If you’re a smoker considering dental implants, don’t be discouraged. There are several steps you can take to improve your chances of success:

• Quit Smoking: The most effective way to improve the success of your dental implants is to quit smoking. Stopping smoking before and after implant surgery can significantly increase the likelihood of successful osseointegration and reduce the risk of complications. If quitting seems overwhelming, even reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke per day can have a positive impact.
• Pre-Implant Assessment: Before proceeding with dental implants, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your oral health at The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic in This will include evaluating the health of your gums, the density of your jawbone, and any signs of gum disease. If necessary, we may recommend treatments such as periodontal therapy or bone grafting to prepare your mouth for implants.
• Strict Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for implant success, especially for smokers. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent infections and support healing. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential to monitor the health of your gums and implants.
• Temporary Smoking Cessation: If quitting smoking entirely isn’t feasible, we strongly recommend refraining from smoking for a period of time before and after your implant surgery. This temporary cessation can allow your body to heal more effectively and reduce the risk of complications.
• Follow Post-Operative Care Instructions: After your implant surgery, it’s vital to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist. This includes managing pain, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Is Bone Grafting Necessary?

One of the most common challenges for smokers seeking dental implants is bone loss in the jaw. Smoking accelerates bone resorption, which can reduce the amount of available bone for implant placement. In some cases, bone grafting may be necessary to build up the bone and create a stable foundation for the implant.

Our implant surgeons in Leicester offer advanced bone grafting procedures to help patients with insufficient bone structure qualify for dental implants. During a bone graft, we use donor bone material or synthetic grafts to stimulate new bone growth in the jaw. This process can take several months, but it greatly increases the chances of a successful implant procedure.

Conclusion

If you’re a smoker considering dental implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic in Leicester. Our team will assess your oral health, discuss your options, and help you take the next steps towards a healthier, more confident smile. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from initial consultation to post-operative care.

Don’t let smoking stand in the way of achieving the smile you deserve. Contact us today by clicking here to learn more about how we can help you!