Exploring The Link Between Smoking And Dental Implant Issues
When it comes to dental implants in Richmond, here at Sheen Dental we aren’t adverse to treating those who smoke. However because of the effect that it can have on newly placed implants, there has to be some form of compromise.
The reasons that smoking is bad for our overall health are basically the same reasons that it’s bad for our dental health (including dental implants). Smoking lowers the effectiveness of our body’s immune system and promotes the spread of bacteria causing gum disease. Both of these factors can be the cause of dental implant failure.
During the early stages of a dental implant (namely the bone fusion process) there is a risk of infection that’s usually avoided through rest, recuperation, and proper post-operative care. Even when caught early on, inflammation or infection won’t always result in implant failure. The reason for this is that in non-smokers it can usually be combated using a combination of medication and the right dental care.
If however a person continues to smoke throughout the early stages of treatment, not only can substances found in nicotine spread bacteria which can in turn attack the dental implant, but the ability for the body to fight against infection is also greatly reduced.
In addition (and as touched on briefly earlier) when you opt for a dental implant in Richmond, Manchester, or indeed anywhere else in the country, the success or failure of an implant is heavily reliant on the bone fusion process. Otherwise known as ‘osseointegration’ the natural bone tissue that surrounds the titanium implant needs time to merge and fuse with it in order to create a super-strong platform. In some people this process can take as little as one month, in others it can take three to four months. In smokers however this process can be unpredictable at best and in some cases, might not occur at all.
So how does a dental implant clinic accommodate smokers?
First of all it’s highly important when a smoker visits an implant specialist that they make the dentist aware that they smoke. Here at Sheen Dental we’re realists and we know that for many people giving up altogether is not an option, although clearly that’s the best solution all round. Instead we suggest that a patient gives up smoking for some time prior to the surgery and continues this until the osseointegration process has taken place and the implant has settled. Of course the longer a patient abstains from smoking, the better their chances of dental implant success. In the meantime we’ll give you a tailor made treatment plan suggesting when to give up and how long to abstain.
At Sheen Dental we have a wealth of experience in fitting dental implants in Richmond, so if you have any questions or concerns or simply need more information, then speak to Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team on 020 8876 5277 today. You can also visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk for more information.