Smoking and How It Affects Dental Implants
Smoking can increase your risk factors for a number of serious health disorders. If you are a smoker, periodontal disease may not be on your radar when it comes to the health risks of smoking, but it should be. Smoking is associated with periodontal disease, which is associated with an increased risk of tooth loss, and can delay the healing process. Dr. Bijan Afar DDS, Los Angeles dental implants dentist, encourages smokers to learn more about the risks associated with smoking.
Dental implants, which are titanium screw-like devices, are often used when teeth are lost due to periodontal disease, tooth decay or trauma. They fit into the socket of the lost tooth, where they will osseointegrate, or become a part of the jawbone. Unfortunately, when the patient smokes, osseointegration can be dramatically delayed thanks to the 4,000 toxins released by cigarette smoke. One study performed at Brazilís Guarulhos University found that smokers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day were more likely to suffer from compromised healing than non-smokers.
More than just cigarettes can cause delayed oral healing. Cigar and pipe smokers can also suffer from high rates of tooth loss, receding gum lines and bone loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers, according to a study published in 2000 in the Journal of Periodontology. The best way to avoid these risks is to cut back on smoking or quit smoking altogether. Heavy smokers have the highest risks while those who have quit smoking or who have never smoked have dramatically reduced risks. Los Angeles dentist, Dr. Bijan Afar, can discuss with you your options for quitting and help you learn more. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.