This article explains the health risks smokers put themselves at when undergoing teeth replacement procedures using dental implants.

If you’re a smoker, you are probably very aware of the various health risks you put yourself at each time you light up. The last thing you need is yet another article finger-wagging at you and your vice, right? Well, we aren’t here today to admonish you… if quitting were easy you would have done it long ago. We are here to explain why it’s important for you to quit smoking if you are having teeth replaced with dental implants: now is as good a time as any to make a lifestyle change.

We spoke to an experienced Stratford dental implants and all on 4 implants specialist about why smokers don’t make ideal candidates for this type of teeth replacement procedure and what risks they expose themselves to. In light of this information, it is hoped that more patients will give the habit the kick, even if it is just temporary, thus allowing themselves a much better chance of healing and implant success.

Yup… Smoking Causes Implants to Fail

You read correctly: a much better chance of implant success. “Smoking thickens the blood, which hampers circulation in the mouth. Slowed blood circulation slows the rate of healing and your body’s ability to fight off infection,” explains the all on 4 implants specialist. “This is why it’s so important for smokers to kick the habit at least a few weeks prior to having surgery; any kind of surgery, really. They should also refrain from smoking until the implants have properly integrated with the underlying jawbone.”

Smoking leaves your mouth more vulnerable to bacteria and to infection. And the last thing you want when you’ve dropped a few thousand dollars on getting a new tooth or teeth placed is to lose it a few weeks later because it’s become infected due to your nasty little habit. Focus on the fact that you are not quitting permanently, but just for long enough to allow your implant to heal properly. All in all, you’re looking at a two to three month hiatus.

“The great thing is, after not smoking for the period required to give implant surgery its greatest chance of success, most patients decide to quit permanently,” says the Stratford dental implants specialist. “They realize just how much healthier they feel and, in conjunction with having a new and improved smile, begin to make all sorts of lifestyle improvements. It’s one of our greatest pleasures to see as doctors… patients improving their health on their own.”

Smoking and Oral Health

There’s little doubt as to how detrimental smoking is for the health of your mouth. We all know that smoking causes lung problems, but your mouth is the portal… it’s where smoke inhalation begins. “Quitting smoking is not only important for the success of dental surgery, it also markedly reduces your risk of terrible, potentially life-threatening diseases, like oral cancer,” says the All On 4 implants specialist. “You’re also spared from the resultant tooth discoloration, gum disease and chronic bad breath smoking is so strongly connected to.”

Find out what it is you need to do to quit. Everyone’s addiction can be cracked, so get to work figuring out your own psychological recipe for success is. You may not get it right the first time, but you will eventually if you persevere. Also, your dentist is there for your support; so don’t hesitate to speak to him or her for advice.