Dental Implants for Smokers

         For years, dental implants were not an option for those who smoked.

 “Concerns about periodontal health caused dentists to recommend other treatment instead,” says Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri, from her Chino, California Cosmetic Dental Practice. “Infection is always a concern when a dental implant is placed and those who smoke have been shown to have a greater risk of this.” Current smokers are at risk of developing periodontal disease four times more than non-smokers.

Smoking and other tobacco products affect the attachment of tissues to teeth.  More specifically, it appears that smoking impairs blood flow and interferes with the normal function of tissue cells.  This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infection and adversely affects wound and bone healing.

But newer techniques have shown that smokers can also benefit from dental implant treatment. “New research suggests that an implant submerged so there is no exposure during the healing time can greatly reduce the risk of infection and the ultimate success of the implant,” Dr. Cherukuri adds.

 “We are finding more and more how dental implants can help restore function to those missing teeth from a variety of causes. To learn more about how implants are placed, restored and maintained, please visit our website at: www.chinosmiles.com