Dental implants are a natural-looking way to replace lost teeth, but they require an invasive installation process. It always carries some risk of failure, but smoking raises this risk. It has various physical effects that negatively affect dental implants if the patient continues to smoke after the procedure.
Definition
The American Academy of Periodontology, or AAP, explains that dental implants are a surgical tooth replacement method. The implant acts as an artificial tooth root. It is topped with a natural-looking cap that functions just like a natural tooth. Implants can be used to replace one tooth, several or even an entire mouthful of teeth. The implant is surgically embedded in the jawbone. They are allowed to attach themselves firmly for two to six months. Then, extensions and false teeth are attached to complete the process.
Use
Dental implants replace teeth lost due to injury or dental problems such as severe decay or periodontal disease. AAP president Dr, Preston Miller states that severe periodontal disease is a common cause of tooth loss, and tobacco use boosts the risk of developing this gum condition. This means many smokers are potential candidates for dental implants.
Risks
Smokers face greater risks during and immediately after the dental implant process. Dr. Arturo Sanchez Perez, a dental researcher at the University of Murcia in Spain, explains that smokers have a higher post-operative infection rate and tend to heal more slowly. This happens because smoking impairs blood flow to tissues and bone in the implant area, which slows the natural recovery process.
Complications
Smoking raises the long-term failure rate for implants, according to the AAP. A 2007 study by Spanish dentists at the University of Murcia Clinic of Dentistry found an implant failure rate of almost 16 percent among smokers as compared to a 1.4 percent failure rate among non-smokers over a five year period. The study, which involved 66 patients, also found that smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day boosts the long-term implant failure rate to 30.8 percent. Dr. Sanchez-Perez warns implant failure can also cause bone loss around the teeth and gums, causing complications and cosmetic problems.
Alternatives
Smokers have other alternatives for tooth replacement. Bridges are used for a small number of missing teeth if there are healthy teeth on one or both sides of the gap, explains the Simply Teeth website. They are usually fixed in place permanently, although some bridges are removable. Dentures are used when most or all of the teeth are missing. They can replace all of the teeth on the top or bottom of your mouth or a full mouthful in necessary. They are removed and cleaned nightly.
