Because of the harmful impact of nicotine, tobacco and smoke, not every smoker’s dental implant surgery will be a success. Several effects of smoking can hinder dental implant surgery:
1- Smoke harms the surrounding gums and bone: Cigarette smoke burns the oral tissues on the inside of your mouth, and it can even damage or block the salivary glands, which results in mouth dryness. A lack of saliva can lead to tooth decay and gum disease — weakening the bone and gums that support your implants.
2- Nicotine slows down healing and immune system defenses:
Nicotine — whether introduced through a cigarette or a nicotine patch — restricts the flow of oxygen and blood to your bone and oral tissue. Because you need this extra oxygen and blood flow to heal, nicotine exposure weakens your body’s immune defenses and overall healing abilities.
3- Tobacco and nicotine prevent the bone from fusing with the implant:
Not only does a lack of blood flow and oxygen decrease the ability to heal properly, but it could also impact osseointegration — the fusing together of your implant and the surrounding bone. Clinical trials have shown that smokers are at a higher risk of osseointegration failure than nonsmokers.
