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If missing teeth or imperfections make you hesitant to show off your smile, your St. Albert dentist might recommend a dental bridge. This treatment effectively fills the spaces left by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are typically secured onto the adjacent natural teeth, meaning they are not removable. A common question patients ask is whether smoking poses a risk to their dental bridges. Let's explore how smoking can impact your bridges and overall oral health.

Smoking Increases Risks for Gums and Teeth

Cigarette smoking is a major contributor to preventable illness and premature death globally, including here in Canada. Regular smoking has significant negative impacts on the health of your gums and teeth. The long-term effects extend beyond the mouth, often including increased cancer risk, lung diseases, and cardiovascular issues.

Compared to non-smokers, smokers face roughly double the risk of developing mouth infections. Proper care for your dental restorations is crucial to ensure they last longer and function effectively.

It's important to know that smoking can hinder the healing of surgical wounds, including those related to dental procedures. Adhering to the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist after getting a bridge is vital. This typically includes refraining from tobacco products and alcohol for at least two weeks following the bridge placement to promote proper healing.

Here’s how smoking specifically affects your dental health:

• Causes mouth dryness (xerostomia).
• Hinders the body's natural healing ability.
• Restricts blood flow within the mouth.
• Increases the risk of harmful oral bacteria thriving.

Dental bridges here in St. Albert, AB, can help restore a beautiful, functional smile that complements your natural features by filling the gaps left by missing teeth.

How Smoking Specifically Hinders Dental Bridges

Tobacco use, including smoking, can directly damage dental bridges and compromise their success. Smoking significantly delays the healing process after a bridge is placed. If you smoke soon after receiving your dental restoration, it can damage the underlying bone and gum tissue, ultimately decreasing the lifespan of your bridge.

Quitting smoking can be challenging, especially for long-term users, but the benefits for your oral and overall health are substantial.

a) Damage to Bone and Gum Tissues

Smoking and other tobacco products are strongly linked to poor dental health outcomes. They increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. Gum disease, in particular, can weaken the natural teeth that support your bridge.

b) Slows the Healing Process

Tobacco products contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke cause inflammation around the teeth and restrict the flow of oxygen and blood to tissues that need to heal. This directly impacts the successful integration and longevity of dental bridges.

c) Staining

Whether you have natural teeth, crowns, veneers, or bridges, smoking inevitably causes staining. Nicotine and tar create yellow or brown discoloration that is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove from dental restorations like bridges. Furthermore, smoking contributes to gum recession. As gums recede, the teeth supporting the bridge can become unstable, increasing the risk of bridge failure. Eliminating stains from dental bridges often requires different and more complex procedures than whitening natural teeth. Your dentist in St. Albert can provide more detailed information on managing staining and other oral health issues related to smoking.

Do I Need to Stop Smoking to Receive Dental Bridges?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Your dentist will likely advise you to quit smoking, or at least significantly reduce, for one to two weeks before getting your dental bridge placed. This minimizes the immediate risks of infection and promotes better initial healing.

After the bridge placement, continuing to refrain from smoking is crucial for the long-term success of the treatment. While recovery times vary, quitting smoking for at least two to three months after receiving your bridge is often recommended for the best possible outcome.

Protect Your Smile and Your Investment

Smoking doesn't just harm your natural teeth; it compromises the integrity and longevity of your dental bridges. If you're considering dental bridges or want to ensure your existing ones stay in great shape, schedule an appointment at [Your St. Albert Dental Practice Name] today. Serving the St. Albert community, our dental team will examine your mouth, identify any potential issues like decay or gum disease, and discuss how to best care for your smile. Regular dental visits and diligent oral hygiene are key to maintaining your oral health, especially if you have dental restorations. Contact us to book your appointment!

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Dentist St. Albert