Following successful titanium dental implant treatment at Appletree Dental Care last year, Innes decided to follow up with the replacement of a long term missing upper left premolar.
As can be seen from the pictures, Innes has a long history of smoking with subsequent staining of his teeth.
Some may consider the resulting implant crown Innes received (see below) actually looks healthier than the adjacent teeth which are longer, with receding gums and very badly stained.
Innes was extremely grateful to have the gap filled with a fixed restoration which then avoided the necessity for a removable plastic denture.
This is not unusual. Many of our patients in Glasgow are electing to have implants instead of dentures.
Dental Implants And Cigarette Smoking Facts and Opinions
Recent research confirms that early implant success rates with smokers are now comparable with those in non-smokers.
The big debate recently has surrounded the increase in peri-implantitis cases. This is a long term condition affecting the gums and bone around implants.
As in most gum conditions, symptoms are almost unnoticeable with respect to the patient’s awareness in the early stages. There is rarely any pain or sign of infection at the beginning.
As time goes by, however, the gums tend to bleed and become more inflamed and this is generally more prevalent in those who have suffered gum problems historically with regard to their natural teeth. This is when the smoking issue becomes more relevant.
Dental implants and cigarette smoking do not go well together. Gum and bone loss around implants can have terminal effects, and regular check ups, hygienist scalings plus annual X-rays are often advisable in implant cases, particularly in patients who just can’t kick the habit.
It goes without saying that our smoking cessation advice is free! And recommended.
The best advice is always to try cutting down and eventually give up smoking.