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If you have teeth that are missing or badly damaged, dental implants could be a viable replacement option. Unless you smoke, that is. While these replacement teeth can be placed in the gum lines of those who smoke, it is a much more complicated process. And continuing to smoke after the implants are placed will put you at a much higher risk of implant failure.

How Smoking Affects Dental Implants 

Lowers Blood Flow

dental implantsNicotine and its byproducts cause the peripheral blood vessels in the mouth and the skin to become restricted. This can reduce the amount of blood flow they receive, which can make it difficult for the gums to heal following dental implant surgery and can increase the risk of infection. While all smokers will have these risks, those that proceed to smoke following the procedure will be most at risk and will have a significant possibility of early implant failure.

Causes Bone Loss

For dental implants to be successful, they require the bone in the jaw line to fuse with the replacement, titanium root. This process creates a strong foundation so that an abutment, or connector piece, and a replacement tooth can connect to the new root. However, smokers tend to have a decrease in bone density, which can make it difficult for the initial fusing to occur.

 

Even if you were a smoker in the past, dental implants could still be the answer to perfecting your smile. Contact the office of James Julien, D.D.S., for more information about the process today. This family dentist is located in Kenai, AK, and provides patients with high-quality dental care services. To learn more, visit their website or schedule an appointment by calling (907) 283-4857. Like them on Facebook for company news and more helpful oral health tips.

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