The Impact Of Smoking And Alcohol On Dental Implants

In a layperson’s lexicon, dental implants are replacement tooth roots. They provide a solid foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable synthetic teeth customized to match a person’s natural teeth. In all honesty, dental implants are a marvel of modern dentistry. They have improved the quality of life of millions of people. 

For example, surveys illustrate that dental implants have resulted in a spree of successful teeth restorations in the past 30 years. In fact, there are 5 million dental implants in the United States every year. If you want to know the A to Z of dental implants, including the correlation between implants and alcohol, then read ahead.  

What Are Dental Implants? What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for people with missing teeth. They constitute a medical-grade metal screw secured into the patient’s jawbone during surgery. An implant substitutes for the missing tooth’s root. The portion of the replacement that is visible is the crown. And the apparatus to which dentists attach the crown is the screw. The main reasons why dental implants become pertinent are –

• Improved appearance of the teeth
• Dental implants prevent loss of jaw height
• They help maintain a stunning smile
• Dental implants can lead to improved speech
• They can facilitate easier eating
• Dental implants are comfortable, convenient, and easy to clean
• Dental implants look like natural teeth
• Dental implants last for 15 to 25 years

If you are contemplating dental implants, consulting a gentle dental near me can help.

Affect Of Alcohol And Nicotine On Dental Implants: A Crisp Overview

Undergoing a dental implant surgery can be a life-changing affair. However, like every other invasive procedure, implant surgery comes with post-operative precautions. For example, you might have to put a brake on celebrations and events that feature tempting delicacies and drinks that might be detrimental to your newly affixed implants. However, among the plethora of do’s and don’t’s after a dental implant surgery, the disclaimers pertaining to alcoholic beverages are glaring. What are they? Let us find out!

• When can I drink alcohol after a dental implant surgery?

To begin with, experts recommend waiting for at least 48 hours post-dental implant procedure before making an official toast. During the initial 24 hours after the surgery, you should relax and allow your body to recover and replenish. The first day after surgery is pivotal for blood clotting and promoting healing. Thus, when it comes to alcohol, taking it slow should be the mantra.

• Alcohol Interferes with Prescribed Medications

One of the most hazardous combinations for the human body is mixing alcohol with prescription painkillers. Many people unknowingly make the grave mistake of believing alcohol will help numb a sore mouth after a dental implant surgery. But, the reality is vastly different. Consuming alcohol can induce lethal reactions in the body if a person is on painkillers simultaneously. Thus, it is best to keep the wine glass aside when taking pain medications.

• Alcohol Delays the Healing Process

A successful dental implant surgery definitely calls for a celebration. But, it is best to wait and let your body and mouth fully recover before popping open the champagne bottle. It is fundamental to keep in mind that besides forming deadly concoctions when mixed with medicines, alcohol can also adversely affect your post-surgery healing process.

Moreover, when consumed shortly after surgery, alcohol can delay wound healing. When alcohol seeps into the bloodstream, it hampers the body’s potential to produce essential proteins important for recovery. Failure to create such essential substances can ultimately culminate in the failure of your implant. Therefore, following the guidance of a gentle dentist near me, post-operative implant care is crucial.

• Alcohol Dehydrates the Body

Another way alcohol after dental implants manifests is through dehydrating the body. It is common knowledge that alcohol sucks in the body’s moisture. When your body lacks nourishment, there will be a delay in the healing process. Although alcohol-induced dehydration is not worrisome under normal circumstances, the scenario completely changes after a dental implant surgery.  

Immediate consumption of alcohol causes straining on your already-tired body during healing and leads to excruciating pain. In addition, alcohol dilates blood vessels, making the surgical site all the more sensitive. Simply put, the pain experienced after a dental implant procedure doubles after that ‘one glass’ celebration.

• Impact of Smoking on Dental Implants

Last, it is imperative to stay away from nicotine after a dental implant procedure. It takes approximately six months to heal after getting a dental implant. During the six months of post-operative care, it is crucial to avoid smoking. Smoking can restrict blood supply into the gums, bones, and teeth, slowing the healing process and potentially failing the implant.

Concluding Thoughts

So, we have a comprehensive overview of the effects of smoking and alcohol on implants. After getting Irving dental implants, you should stay away from alcohol and tobacco for at least six months to optimize the healing process and yield the best outcome from the surgery.