Addressing tooth loss due to smoking or alcohol with our dentist in Clapham
To maintain healthy teeth and gums it is important that you visit your dentist on a regular basis, at least once every six months and look after your teeth carefully at home by brushing twice a day, flossing at least once and avoiding sweet, sticky treats, snacks and drinks. Maintaining excellent dental hygiene and an excellent diet will help your teeth last for the rest of your life. It is also very important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking can have a huge impact on your dental health and wellbeing.
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking causes a range of dental health issues. Firstly you will notice your teeth become yellow and unpleasant to look at. Although these are extrinsic stains and can be removed with stringent dental hygiene and visiting the dentist on a regular basis, over time you will find that the stains become stubborn and harder to remove. Eventually, your teeth will become a permanent shade of yellow or even brown. Smoking also causes bad breath. It increases the chance of developing tooth decay, gum disease and even mouth cancer.
Alcohol increases acid levels in the mouth. Acids can cause weakening of the enamel and tooth erosion which results in sensitivity and pain. You are more likely to develop cavities and tooth decay. Smoking and drinking can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and result in missing teeth. It is very important that you seek information on smoking cessation and alcohol dependence if you are unable to keep your habits under control or stop them completely. If you continue to smoke and drink excessively then it is very likely that you will suffer from premature tooth loss.
If you have lost a tooth as a result of poor lifestyle choices or due to other underlying dental health complications, you need to speak to our dentist in Clapham and find out about replacing your missing teeth sooner rather than later. Our dentist uses dental implants to replace missing teeth. With extensive experience in tooth replacement and restorative dental treatment, our dentist in Clapham can put together the best treatment plan for you.
Dental implants and dental implant surgery
Dental implants are suitable for patients of all ages as long as you have healthy teeth and gums. If your teeth have been damaged by smoking and gum disease you will need to undergo dental treatment to address these issues beforehand. You will also need to stop smoking and either stop drinking completely or reduce your level of alcohol consumption to moderate. After that, you will be ready to replace your missing teeth with dental implants. Dental implant surgery can be carried out in 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many teeth need replacing. The surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic and further sedation, if necessary, for your comfort and ease. After the surgery you should be able to replace your missing teeth in the next 4 to 6 months. Speak to our dentist in Clapham today to find out more.