Dental implants are the strongest, most stable, and natural-feeling solutions for replacing missing teeth. At Palatine Complete Dental, Dr. Michael Unti and our expert team use advanced technology and gentle precision to help restore strength and confidence to our patients’ smiles for years to come. However, certain lifestyle choices, especially smoking and using smokeless tobacco products, can significantly affect the long-term success of dental implants.
Smoking and Its Impact on Healing
Smoking and smokeless tobacco use are among the most common factors linked to dental implant complications. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, reducing oxygen and nutrients that are vital for healing after implant surgery. This delay can interfere with osseointegration, the process in which the titanium implant fuses permanently with the jawbone. As a result, smokers are more likely to experience slower recovery, gum infections, or even implant failure.
In addition, smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off bacteria that cause gum disease. And, left untreated, gum disease can pose a major threat to implant stability. Patients who smoke are encouraged to quit before and after surgery to dramatically improve their implant success rates.
Other Lifestyle Factors That Matter
Beyond smoking, everyday habits also play a key role in implant longevity. Poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar or alcohol, and neglecting routine dental visits can all undermine implant health. Chronic stress and certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can further slow healing or increase the risk of infection.
Dr. Unti and the Palatine Complete Dental team emphasize patient education, preventive care, and lifestyle adjustments to create the healthiest possible environment for your new implants.
Strong, Long-Lasting Dental Implants in Palatine, IL
If you’re in Palatine and want to learn more about how healthy habits support dental implant success, contact Dr. Michael Unti and the caring, skilled team at Palatine Complete Dental to schedule a consultation!