Researchers from the University of Murcia in Spain have found yet another reason for dentists and orthodontists to encourage their patients to quit smoking. For five years, researchers followed 66 patients who received 165 implants. They determined failure rate for a dental implants tended to be minimal, around 1.4 percent. However, if a patient smoked cigarettes, the rate of failure jumped to 15.8 percent. “People who smoke are at a greater risk of infection following surgery and may heal more slowly,” said Dr. Arturo Sanchez Perez of the Department of Periodontology at the University of Murcia. “When an implant is placed in a smoker, it is more likely to fail. This means a patient’s smile may be negatively affected, and there is potential for more bone loss in the areas surrounding the gums and teeth.” The study was published in the Journal of Periodontology, and its findings support what we already understand about smoking and oral health. Dental implants often fail because they are unable to integrate with the surrounding bone tissue in the jaw. Smoking negatively affects the blood flow to the bones and
tissues surrounding the gums and teeth, which can impair healing.
There have yet to be studies which look into how vaping or e-cigarettes specifically impact dental implants, but there is reason to be cautious. Nicotine, which is found in vaping liquid, is known to contribute to an increased risk of gum disease in smokers. In addition, researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that nicotine may prevent stem cells from becoming bone cells. In this case, we should tell patients to quit smoking and vaping, as it’s better to be safe than sorry. The success of a dental implant demands teamwork between the patients and their physician. The oral surgeon must perform the procedure properly and with a careful hand. Meanwhile, the patient must be willing to follow through with regular checkups and certain lifestyle changes, which may include dietary restrictions and new hygiene habits recommended by their surgeon and dentist. This is the only way a patient will be able to enjoy the lifelong health and cosmetic benefits of a successfully placed implant.
Up in SMOKE
Study Finds Dental Implants More Likely to Fail for Smokers
HAVE A LAUGH
COLCANNON
INGREDIENTS When you think of St. Patrick’s Day cuisine, corned beef and green beer are probably the first things that come to mind. This year, consider adding colcannon to your March 17 menu. It’s basically mashed potatoes on steroids, and it’s utterly delicious. DIRECTIONS
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3 pounds potatoes
1. Steam potatoes for 30 minutes. Peel skins and mash flesh thoroughly. 2. Chop 1 stick of butter into small cubes and add to warm potatoes. Once melted, slowly add milk, stirring constantly. Boil cabbage in water. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to tenderize. 3. Add cabbage, bacon, and scallions to mashed potatoes, gently stirring to combine. 4. Serve garnished with parsley and a pat of butter.
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2 sticks butter
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1 1/4 cups hot milk
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1 head cabbage, cored and shredded 1 pound cooked bacon, chopped into small pieces
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4 scallions, finely chopped
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Parsley, for garnish
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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