Most people who smoke or chew tobacco know the risks to their physical health, but what about oral health? In addition to stained teeth, you should know the facts if you are a smoker who wants dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
We want to help you get the most out of your implant dentistry in our Concord, NH dental office so that you can enjoy your best smile.
Smoking and Dental Implant Treatment
Beginning with a healthy mouth is essential to successful dental implant treatment. Eliminating decay and treating gum disease is not only beneficial but also necessary for us to get started.
Recent studies show that smoking affects dental implant treatment in a couple of ways.
You Are at a Greater Risk for Gum Disease
Smoking exposes your gums to a number of carcinogens and also causes dry mouth – both of which can play a role in periodontal disease. Maintaining your oral health may be tougher if you are a smoker, but we can support you in quitting or in making some adjustments to your care.
Bone Integration Takes Longer
The reason why people choose dental implants is that they are stable and reliable due to integrating with your natural bone and becoming part of the overall dental system.
Recent studies show that dental implants, especially when placed in the upper jaw, take longer to integrate, which may delay the final phase of your treatment. Completing this process is usually necessary before we move forward.
Smoking does not necessarily disqualify you from dental implant treatment, but we should have a conversation about the risks and additional steps necessary to give you the best outcome.
For more information about implant dentistry in Concord, NH, contact our office to arrange a consultation to get the answers you need.