Dentures may be the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss, though they remain popular today thanks to their convenience and versatility. Regardless of how many teeth went missing, your dentist can provide lifelike full, partial, or implant dentures to restore your smile’s function and appearance.
However, many people who regularly smoke vapes or cigarettes are surprised to learn that their habit can potentially harm their new restoration. Continue reading to learn more about why many experts recommend quitting smoking to get dentures!
How Do Dentures Work?
These replacement teeth are carefully designed from customizable materials to look and feel as lifelike as possible. They typically consist of an acrylic, gum-colored base that’s carved to resemble your natural gum tissues. This is set with the required number of replacement teeth to close the gaps in your grin left by the ones that went missing.
Partial dentures usually include metal clips that anchor to healthy teeth in your mouth to remain in place, while complete sets form a tight suction against your gums to stay put throughout the day. Implant dentures are the only option that involves placing anywhere from 2 to 8 biocompatible supports into your jaw that can anchor a specially designed set of dentures once you’ve fully recovered.
How Does Smoking Affect Dental Health?
If you’ve scheduled a consultation with your dentist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for this service, don’t be surprised if they ask whether you smoke. Because these teeth rely on a bond with your gums, the tissues must be healthy enough to sustain them. Not only that, but if you’re considering more reliable and permanent implant dentures, you’ll need a healthy mouth before you can be approved for oral surgery
Unfortunately, cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products contain nicotine, the addictive chemical that keeps you coming back for more. This substance also acts as a vasoconstrictor in your system, reducing your blood oxygen supply and flow. As a result, your body is less able to send essential nutrients or infection-fighting cells to your mouth to prevent oral issues. This can make you more likely to develop sores or infections with standard prosthetics and significantly increase the risk of implant denture failure.
Should I Quit Smoking with Dentures?
Most dentists recommend not smoking if you want to protect your dental health. They contain harmful chemicals that can weaken any remaining teeth and your gums or result in ulcers or sores that can become cancerous.
Thankfully, this can be avoided by quitting your unhealthy habit. It’s also helpful to remove your restoration at night and leave them to soak in a glass of water or special denture solution to allow your connective tissues to rest and recover while you sleep.
If you are worried about your gum health with dentures, contacting your dentist for an appointment sooner rather than later can help you avoid progressively worsening concerns.
Meet the Author
Dr. Ray Voller enjoys providing customized services to help patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and participates with several prestigious organizations, including as a Fellow of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics. Today, he has 40+ years of experience providing a complete menu of services, including dentures, using state-of-the-art equipment for comfortable, accurate outcomes intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (724) 543-4948.