Most people are aware of the negative effects smoking has on one’s overall health. However, it is vital for people to be aware that their dental health is not excluded from such detrimental consequences.
Smoking can have many significant effects on natural teeth and the mouth:
- Smoking can cause tooth staining
- It can contribute to a drier than normal mouth
- Smoking can contribute to gum disease and tooth loss
- Many smokers suffer from bad breath (halitosis)
- Smoking can slow down healing of all injuries in the mouth
- Smoking is also the leading cause of oral cancer (cancer of the mouth)
The Impact Of Smoking On Dental Implants
If you require a dental implant, smoking can slow your recovery and there is an increased chance of dental implant complications.
Nicotine reduces blood flow in the mouth, whilst carbon monoxide from cigarettes reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells. This affects the healing capacity of the tissues surrounding teeth and implants.
Unfortunately, smokers are more likely to develop an infection after their surgery and their ability to recover from infection is also reduced. As well, smokers stand a greater risk of experiencing periodontal (gum) disease and bone loss surrounding dental implants.
This does not mean that a smoker cannot have a dental implant. During your consultation, Dr Teo will explain in greater detail the risks associated with being a smoker and how best to approach dental implant treatment in order to maximise the chances of success in your situation. Please feel free to contact us on(03) 5298 1020 if you have any queries.
You can learn more about Dental Implants by visiting our Implants page or reading our related articles:
