The effect of smoking on dental implants

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**The effect of smoking on dental implants** is not something that can be ignored. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke have a direct negative effect on the healing process and fusion of the implant with the jaw bone. These effects can start from the first days after surgery and if you continue to smoke, they can gradually lead to implant failure. In this article, we examine in detail how smoking affects dental implant placement, why smokers are more prone to problems after surgery, and whether quitting smoking can increase the chance of implant success or not; Stay with us. Effect of smoking on dental implant process The implant implantation process requires precise coordination between the gum tissue, jaw bone and titanium base of the implant. In order for the implant to be properly fixed in place and function like a natural tooth, the body must be able to build new bone tissue around it and prevent inflammation and infection. But this sensitive process faces serious challenges in smokers. Harmful compounds such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar disrupt the process of tissue repair, constrict blood vessels, and reduce oxygen delivery to the implant area. For this reason, the effect of smoking on dental implants often manifests itself as a delay in healing, the occurrence of chronic inflammation, or even the complete rejection of the implant. ### The negative effect of smoking on gum tissue recovery In the first days after the surgery, the gum should heal well and cover the soft tissue around the implant. In non-smokers, this process is done faster, because sufficient blood flow reaches this area. But smoking slows down the healing process by reducing oxygen supply and disrupting the production of new cells. As a result, the gum does not close properly and creates a suitable environment for the penetration of bacteria; Something that greatly increases the chance of infection. ### Decreased blood flow and its effect on implant base welding One of the most key steps after implant implantation is a process called "osteointegration"; It means a direct connection between the jaw bone and the surface of the implant. For this connection, the body must produce new bone tissue around the implant. But the nicotine in cigarettes disrupts this process by reducing the diameter of blood vessels and reducing blood supply. For this reason, the base of the implant does not weld well to the bone and the possibility of loosening or even protruding of the implant increases. ### increasing the risk of inflammation, infection and implant rejection in smokers In addition to disrupting tissue repair, smoking weakens the immune system. This means that the body does not have enough power to deal with bacteria and inflammation. In such a situation, even a small wound in the implant area can lead to severe infections. On the other hand, because the body cannot properly respond to the foreign agent (implant), it is likely to reject the implant as a foreign body. That is why the rate of implant failure in smokers is significantly higher than in non-smokers. How can smoking threaten the success of dental implants? The implant implantation process is not only limited to surgery; Rather, it takes months for the jaw bone to unite with the metal base and the surrounding gum tissue to regenerate naturally. In the meantime, smoking, as one of the destructive factors, not only damages the early stages of surgery; It also greatly reduces the overall success of the treatment. ### Decreasing success of implant surgery In the very initial stages after implant implantation, the presence of nicotine and toxic gases from cigarettes causes a sharp decrease in oxygen supply to newly operated tissues. This lack of oxygen reduces the body's ability to repair injuries and increases the chance of bleeding or infection. On the other hand, smokers are usually faced with chronic oral diseases such as chronic gingivitis or subgingival masses, which increases the risk of surgical failure. For this reason, many of the best implant specialists in East Tehran recommend that smoking be stopped at least a few weeks before the surgery to minimize the risks. ### Increased risk of implant failure in the long term Even if the implant is successful at first, the effect of smoking on the dental implant in the long term is a threat to its survival. By continuously damaging the gum tissue and jaw bone, cigarette smoke provides the basis for bone erosion and receding gums. This situation not only affects the appearance of the smile; Rather, it may cause the gradual loosening of the implant and the need to remove it. Research has shown that during the first 5 years, the rate of implant loss in smokers is about 15-20% higher than non-smokers. This number increases with age and intensity of smoking. Can smoking cessation increase implant success? Quitting smoking, before any procedure for implant placement, can significantly increase the chance of treatment success. Next, we examine how quitting smoking can increase this success. ### Benefits of quitting smoking before implant surgery When smoking is eliminated from the daily routine, the blood circulation in the gums and jawbone improves. This allows sufficient oxygen and vital nutrients to reach the surgical area faster. The result of this process is better tissue repair and a significant reduction in the risk of bleeding and infection. Also, since smoking is one of the main causes of gingivitis, by quitting it, the amount of inflammation gradually decreases. This means that the surgery is performed in a cleaner and healthier environment and the probability of the overall success of the implant increases. ### Positive effect of smoking cessation after implant The period after implant placement is one of the most sensitive stages of treatment. If you quit smoking during this time, the body can more easily bond the titanium base to the jawbone. People who stop smoking after implants have a higher success rate and are less likely to experience problems such as bone loss, inflammation, or loosening of the implant in the future. In addition, the appearance of the gums and the color of the teeth are better preserved. What are the consequences of implant placement in smokers? People who decide to get implants despite smoking should know that this choice has consequences. These consequences make the specialized dental teams consider smoking as one of the main topics of consultation before any procedure. Here are the consequences: ### suffering from chronic gingivitis Smoking directly weakens the body's defense system, and in the mouth, this effect causes frequent gum inflammations. When the gum tissue is constantly inflamed, the body is unable to repair around the implant and a constantly irritated environment is formed. ### Recurrent infections in the implant area One of the serious factors of treatment failure in smoking patients is local infections around the implant. Nicotine vapors and reduced oxygen levels give bacteria more opportunities to grow. As a result, wounds heal more slowly and the possibility of infection increases. ### increasing the risk of jaw bone erosion When the blood flow is insufficient and the bone tissue is involved in chronic inflammations, gradual degeneration of the jaw bone occurs. This destabilizes the implant base and may eventually require its complete removal. ### Decreased appearance as a result of implant failure If the implant does not stay in place or the surrounding gum and bone are damaged, the appearance of the smile will change. Gum and bone loss leads to sagging and inconsistency in the line of teeth, and this has a negative effect on a person's self-confidence. ### increasing treatment and restoration costs Implant failure means returning to the first stage and starting the treatment process again. This time, the patient has to spend more money to rebuild the damaged tissues, re-surgery or even replace the implant. In some cases, due to severe bone loss, reimplantation is not possible and the patient needs more complex treatments. Measures to reduce the negative impact of smoking on implants Although the best decision for oral and dental health is to completely quit smoking; But for those who still haven't managed to quit, there are strategies that can reduce the effect of dental implant smoking to some extent. ### observe oral and dental hygiene Keeping the mouth clean is one of the main measures that help reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. In smokers, the importance of oral hygiene multiplies; Because the body is more vulnerable to bacteria. Careful brushing, flossing, antibacterial mouthwash and regular visits to the dentist should be done daily and carefully. ### Receive expert advice before implant implantation Smokers should undergo a thorough evaluation before any implant surgery. The dentist may recommend that you quit smoking for a certain period of time before the surgery or, if necessary, use alternative methods for tooth reconstruction. Also, some patients need bone grafting or special gum preparation to increase the chance of success. The decision that changes the course of your treatment The effect of smoking on dental implants is an issue that cannot be ignored. Although implant implantation is one of the best methods to replace lost teeth; But it is associated with certain challenges in smokers. These challenges, from slowing down the healing process to a higher probability of treatment failure, can greatly affect the quality of the outcome. However, awareness, preparation and consultation with a specialist dentist increase the chances of success. If you are considering dental implants and are concerned about the effect of smoking on the success of the treatment, it is best to seek professional advice before making a decision. At Sharq Tehran Implant Center, our expert and experienced team is ready to suggest the best treatment plan by performing a detailed examination and examining your individual conditions. At Setareh Sharq Dental Clinic, while providing quality services in the field of dental implants, we answer all your questions about the effects of smoking on bone healing and implant success. If you want to take a safe and principled step towards a healthy and sustainable smile, complete the free implant consultation form now or call 02177555220 for a free consultation and appointment reservation.