Alcohol And Dental Implants: Everything You Need To Know

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Dental implants can transform your smile and quality of life. However, maintaining implants requires diligent oral hygiene and avoiding behaviors that increase failure risks. Two major culprits are alcohol consumption and smoking.

Here we will covers everything you need to know about alcohol, smoking, and dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically inserted into the jawbone. They provide a stable foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth. Most implants have three main parts:

Properly placed and cared for implants can restore full function and dramatically boost self-confidence. They prevent bone loss from missing teeth and feel completely natural. While not indestructible, dental implants can last for decades with prudent habits.

How long should dental implants last?

With meticulous at-home care and professional cleanings, dental implants can last upto 20 to 30 years or longer. However, many factors influence longevity:

By managing controllable factors, you can help your implants go the distance. Get them checked annually and address problems early.

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What causes dental implant failure?

Dental implant failure occurs when the artificial root does not integrate with the surrounding bone or loosens over time. This leads to infection, inflammation, and eventual loss. Main reasons implants fail include:

Poor osseointegration during healing
Excessive biting forces
Buildup of plaque and tartar
Chronic grinding or clenching
Smoking and excessive drinking

Peri-implantitis, an inflammatory gum infection, is also a prevalent cause of failure. Signs include swollen, bleeding, or receding gums around an implant. Without treatment, peri-implantitis progresses and destroys supporting bone.

What happens if you smoke with dental implants?

Smoking severely impedes dental implant success rates and nearly triples the odds of failure compared to nonsmokers. Tobacco smoke restricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery vital to healing bones and gums.

Smoking chronically irritates oral tissues and makes them more prone to inflammation. It also accelerates bone loss and may interfere with osseointegration.

Dentist will likely advise you to stop smoking for a few weeks before and after implant surgery. Quitting for good provides the best odds for implantation success and longevity.

The long-term effects of heavy drinking on dental implants

Heavy, regular alcohol consumption jeopardizes the stability and survival of dental implants. Alcohol irritates the mouth’s soft and hard tissues, increasing vulnerability to inflammation and infection. It may interfere with wound healing and hinder your immune response to oral bacteria.

Alcohol also depletes nutrients essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Over time, heavy drinking diminishes bone mineral density and accelerates bone loss. This gradually undermines the implant’s foundation. Without solid osseointegration and bone support, implants will eventually fail.

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What should I do or not do to prevent dental implant failure?

DOS:

Brush twice and floss once daily
Use antimicrobial mouthwash
See your dentist biannually
Wear a nightguard if you grind teeth
Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

DON'TS:

Smoke or use other tobacco products
Consume heavy or frequent alcohol
Bite into hard foods like ice or candy
Skip professional dental cleanings
Neglect symptoms of infection or inflammation

Following proper oral hygiene and avoidance guidelines gives your implants the best survival odds. Protect your investment by being proactive with dental care.

Patients before & after results

Smoking and Drinking Alcohol After Dental Implant Surgery

You must refrain from tobacco and alcohol immediately after implant surgery. Smoking impedes circulation and healing processes while alcohol thins blood and inflames oral tissues. Combining the two compounds risks and delays recovery.

Most dentists instruct patients to stop smoking cigarettes for a minimum of two weeks before implantation and six to eight weeks post-operation. The longer you abstain from smoking, the better. You may need to ask your surgeon about tobacco cessation aids like nicotine patches or gum.

You’ll also need to avoid alcoholic beverages for at least one week after surgery. Alcohol exposure could lead to bleeding complications and disrupt normal healing. Drink plenty of water instead to stay hydrated.

After the initial healing phase, you must also use alcohol sparingly or avoid it altogether. Occasional light drinking may be permissible but continues obstructing optimal bone and soft tissue health around implants. Steer clear of alcohol to give your implants the best longevity odds.

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Conclusion

Smoking or excessive alcohol intake substantially raises the risks of implant failures and complications. For ideal results, abstain from tobacco entirely and drink only light to moderate alcohol with dental implants. Adhering to proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits also helps your implants go the distance.

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Dr. Carrasco

MEDICAL REVIEWER

Dr. Carrasco Graduated dental school in 1981 from the U.A.C.J. Since 2005 he has specialized in Prosthodontic and Oral Implantology. He is a member of American Dental Association (ADA), a fellow of the Mexican Dental Association, The American Society of Osseointegration and an associate fellow of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists,

Dr. Carrasco has completed continuing education courses at prestigious U.S. universities such as Loma Linda University and New York University. He was the Former President of the College of Dental Surgeons, Former professor of undergraduate and graduate of the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.

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This article is for informational purposes. It is not meant to be construed as dental advice or dental diagnosis or treatment. Consulting with a qualified dental professional before beginning or changing your dental treatment is strongly advised.

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