Dental Implants and Smoking

U.S.Dental (also known as Tufts Dental )

Dr.Gina Sohn - Tufts Graduate
U.S Dentist in Seoul / Licensed in MA, CT, NJ
http://www.drginasohn.com
Tel 02-553-7512 / Overseas 822-553-7512

Implants and Smoking

Smoking has many adverse effects on human body. Oral cavity is no exception to the rule. In fact, the whole stomatognathic system suffers from the tobacco use. Among the factors that may negatively interfere with the final outcome of implant procedures, smoking may play a prevalent role.

• Tobacco smoke decreases immune cell activities, which contributes to decreased resistance to inflammation, and infection.
• Smoking decreases calcium absorption. Smokers show reduced mineral content in the bone, especially in postmenopausal female smokers. Tobacco interferes with bone formation.
• Smoking decreases blood flow by increasing platelet aggregation, causes collagen deposition, tissue hypoxia (less oxygen level), and inhibits wound healing.

Researches demonstrate lower success rate for implants in smokers. Failures seem to occur more in the maxilla than in the mandible. However, similar maxillary survival rates have been observed in smokers, provided sufficient healing time, progressive bone loading, and prophylaxis procedures are implemented. Then again, this is not to say smokers have no risk. Smoking may represent a relative contraindication.

With the possible detrimental effects of smoking on implants, it is recommended that patient is instructed to cease smoking for 2 weeks before surgery and 8 weeks after implant surgery.