Patients looking for a reliable replacement tooth that functions as a sturdy stand-alone structure could benefit from a dental implant. These restorations provide several unique advantages over alternatives like dentures or dental bridges because they are embedded directly into your jawbone for added strength and stability.
However, properly caring for your dental implant is essential for its success. Many patients indulge in behaviors that can be harmful, like vaping or smoking cigarettes. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons to consider leaving this toxic habit in the past if you want to rebuild your smile!
Reason #1: Hindered Healing
Tobacco products like vapes, cigarettes, and chewing dip all contain nicotine. This harmful chemical functions as a vasoconstrictor that significantly reduces blood flow to your gums and jawbone, slowing your recovery process.
Furthermore, you must form a blood clot over the implant site to protect it from being penetrated by bacteria in your mouth, which can result in an infection. The force of suction of inhaling through a cigarette or vape device can damage or dislodge it and increase the likelihood of developing an issue that causes your prosthetic to fail.
You might think it’s okay to quit smoking until your mouth has healed temporarily, but studies show that your implant can be negatively affected even years after its initial placement.
Reason #2: Slowed Osseointegration
Many patients are surprised to learn that their jawbone begins to weaken after tooth loss. The roots of your teeth stimulate new bone growth whenever you bite down to keep it active and healthy, but when teeth go missing, it starts to thin. Dental implants prevent this because the titanium rod is placed into your jaw to function like a root and keep it stimulated.
However, your restoration won’t stay put if your jawbone doesn’t complete the osseointegration process. Once your provider places the titanium rod into your bone, it takes several weeks or months for your jaw to produce enough new bone growth to envelop it and fuse completely. If you smoke, you’re hindering blood flow to your jaw that’s necessary for it to build new cells.
Reason #3: Suppressed Immunity
Did you know the number one leading cause of failed implants is a form of gum disease that can erode the surrounding connective and jawbone tissues? Peri-implantitis happens when bacteria in your mouth infect your gums and cause them to recede, leaving your new teeth without a firm enough foundation to remain in place.
Typically, your immune system reacts to disease by triggering an inflammatory response to fight the illness. Unfortunately, smoking weakens your natural defense system, so it’s less able to respond to unwanted pathogens. This increases your risk of both gum disease and associated implant failure.
As you can see, there are several good reasons to quit smoking if you hope to replace your missing teeth with these popular restorations!
About the Practice
At Marvel Dental & Orthodontics, you and the entire family benefit from a team of dentists who offer a full array of services to help you build happy, healthy smiles. With decades of combined experience, they are experienced with patients of all ages and can help with everything from basic preventative services to more complex procedures, like dental implants. Plus, they have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to perform the entire process in the office, including the surgery. You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 933-3883.