Australian oral health issues contribute significantly to the country’s total healthcare costs. Australia spent more than $10 million in dental services in 2016 to 2017, according to the Health Expenditure Report prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIWH). In the categories under primary health care, the cost of dental services was on par with less specific categories like un-referred medical services and benefit-paid pharmaceuticals.
The State of Inadequate Dentition in Australia
According to the Oral Health Tracker prepared by the Australian Dental Association in 2016, one of the major issues concerning Australians’ oral health is the case of inadequate dentition. People with inadequate dentition have fewer than 21 teeth, and they typically have difficulty performing everyday oral functions such as chewing. The same study identified that 15.5% of adults in Australia in 2013 were suffering from teeth loss.
Oral restoration operations like dental implants are meant to treat missing teeth, especially as reputable long-term solutions. Dentists place the implant near the root of the missing tooth, and then they attach an artificial tooth to the implant. However, the success of dental implants can be compromised by engaging in certain activities that are hazardous to oral health. Smoking, for example, is highly recognised as harmful to patients looking to get implants.
The Risks of Smoking for Dental Implants
According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2016, a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare every two or three years, 12.2% of Australians that are aged 14 and above were classified as daily smokers. The number is unfortunate given that smoking is known to contribute to poor oral health, especially tooth damage and gum problems.
Complications like periodontal diseases are especially harmful to those looking to get dental implants. Smokers are likely to develop “dry sockets” where roots do not heal optimally, causing poor integration of implants. After the procedure, smoking can cause further complications for people with new implants. It can increase the risk of peri-implantitis, a condition where the tissues surrounding the implant suffer from inflammation and requires treatment like infection control and detoxification.
Smoking is likely to accelerate or exacerbate the deterioration of oral health. Ironically, smoking can become the primary reason for missing teeth which leads to the need for implants. If smoking becomes the reason for implant failure, then the habit has twice compromised the oral health of a patient.
Highly Professional Local Dentists
At Casey Dentists, we offer comprehensive dental services in Townsville, providing dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and other oral hygiene treatments. Our team of highly experienced dentists can provide you with the complete solution to any dental concern, starting from initial consultations all the way to post-treatment routine check-ups. We incorporate customer education with our services, ensuring that you will not only find a treatment for your situation but also develop an awareness and appreciation for your oral health. With Casey Dentists, you can expect highly professional dental services that genuinely care for your well-being.
Inquire about our dental services now. Call us on 07 4725 3324.