Can Smokers Get Dental Implants?

Even the best planned implant surgery can face real challenges when nicotine enters the picture. It’s scientifically proven that smoking increases your implant risk. 

But whether implants work for you isn’t really about whether you smoke. It’s about whether you’re genuinely willing to stop before your surgery and during the healing window of your implants. Many smokers assume they’re not candidates for implants. The truth is more nuanced. 

This article unpacks what happens to your body when you smoke around implant surgery, gives you the exact timing that matters, and helps you decide if you’re ready to make changes that your implant requires. 

Key Takeaways 

• Smoking roughly doubles implant failure risk (approximately an Overall Odds Ratio of 2.40 for implant failure) 
• Most failures occur after second-stage surgery, not during initial integration
• Quitting 1 week before and 2 months after surgery significantly improves outcomes
• With genuine commitment to timing and aftercare, dental implants might work for your situation 

How smoking affects dental implant success 

When you smoke, nicotine enters your bloodstream and disrupts the healing your implant needs.

Here’s what happens inside your body when you smoke: 

• Reduces blood flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, limiting circulation to your gums and jaw. 
• Weakens immune response: Your ability to fight infection is compromised, increasing infection risk around your implant. 
• Impairs cellular healing: Fibroblasts (healing cells) in your gums are damaged by tobacco chemicals, making it harder for soft tissue to attach properly. 
• Increases inflammation: Smoking triggers pro-inflammatory compounds that damage tissue and slow recovery. 

A healthy implant depends on your bone fusing directly to the titanium post (osseointegration).  This requires strong circulation, healthy immune function and proper cellular repair. 

Risks of getting dental implants as a smoker

Higher risk of implant failure

Studies spanning decades and thousands of patients tell a similar story. Smokers have a higher failure rate for their implants, at roughly double the rate of nonsmokers. 

Most failures occur after second-stage surgery, when implants are uncovered and soft tissues begin healing around them. It’s not that smoking prevents osseointegration entirely. Rather, problems develop once the implant is exposed to smoking after placement.

Infections and long-term complications 

Beyond outright failure, smokers experience:

• Higher infection rates – Bacteria thrive around implants in smokers because immune function is compromised.
• Slower healing – Recovery takes longer, meaning a longer window of vulnerability.
• Greater bone loss – Smokers lose bone around their implants faster, even when implants don’t fail.
• Increased peri-implantitis – This is an infection of the tissues around the implant that destroys bone. Smokers develop it more often and it’s harder to treat.

Can you still get implants if you smoke? 

It depends on whether you’re ready to commit 

Smoking doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Your dentist will assess whether you can realistically follow the protocol your implant requires. This means being honest about: 

• How much you smoke: One cigarette daily differs significantly from a pack daily. 
• Your willingness to stop during healing: Not “would like to” but you’re genuinely willing for 1-2 months.
• Your track record: Have you quit before? How long did it last? This shows your realistic capability.
• Your commitment to aftercare: Implants need excellent home care and regular monitoring, especially for smokers.

If your answers show commitment, then you might be ready for implants. But if you seem unsure, your dentist might recommend alternatives or suggest waiting until you’re ready. 

How to improve your surgery if you’re a smoker 

1. Quitting before surgery (ideal timeframe) 

Quit at least one week before surgery. This is what can happen in one week: 

• Your blood becomes less viscous and circulates better
• Platelet adhesion normalises
• Blood vessel constriction eases
• Your circulatory system begins recovering

One week won’t undo years of smoking damage. But it’s enough to support your initial healing. 

2. Reducing smoking during healing

If complete quitting feels impossible, reduction during the healing phase still helps. Chat with your dentist to see what approach you’re more likely to actually achieve. 

3. Following strict aftercare instructions

Your aftercare is very important. The specifics matter because your body follows a biological timeline you can’t rush. 

• First 24 hours: Ice, elevation, rest. No smoking, rinsing or hot foods yet. Your mouth needs time to stop bleeding and form protective clots.
• First two weeks: Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop early just because you feel better and avoid nicotine. Practice gentle oral hygiene around (not on) the surgical site. This is when infection risk is highest.
• First two months: Keep excellent hygiene during this window. If you’re going to quit smoking for anything, make it now. 

4. Attending regular check-ups

Smokers often need more frequent checkups during the critical healing phase. Your dentist will tell you the schedule that makes sense for your individual healing. 

If you’ve got swelling, discharge or a fever, don’t wait for your appointment. Early reporting gives your dentist the chance to catch problems when they’re still manageable. 

What happens if you smoke after getting implants? 

During healing 

Returning to smoking during this window actively interferes with bone-implant fusion. Your blood vessels constrict, bacteria enter healing tissue, and your compromised immune system can’t keep up with infection risk. This is why most failures in smokers occur after second-stage surgery.

Long-term effects 

Even successfully integrated implants in smokers develop complications faster: accelerated bone loss, higher peri-implantitis risk and potentially less longevity with your implants. 

Alternatives that could be worth considering for smokers 

If you’re unwilling or unable to commit to the quitting timeline, here are common alternatives and how they compare to implants: 

Dentures and bridges don’t require you to stop smoking. They’re simpler from a smoking perspective and might make more sense for your situation. 

Find out more information

At FoX Dental Implants (Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide), we offer a free, no-obligation consultation including a clinical examination and discussion of all your treatment options.

Any imaging, testing or treatment recommended beyond the consultation will have costs outlined separately before you proceed. 

We’re here to help you make an informed decision when it comes to your own healthcare. 

Important: All surgical procedures carry risks. Individual outcomes vary based on your health, smoking habits and commitment to aftercare. Smoking significantly increases implant complication risk.

FAQs

Do I have to quit smoking completely before implants?

Ideally, yes, especially from 1 week before through 2 months after. At minimum, this timing works and reducing during the critical window will help. It’s important to note that quitting completely will always be the better option.

Can vaping affect dental implants too?

Yes. vaping delivers nicotine, which causes the same blood vessel constriction and circulation problems as smoking. You should try to avoid all nicotine during healing.

Will my dentist deny me implants if I smoke?

We won’t refuse based on smoking status. But we will be direct about what you’re facing and ask whether you’re genuinely ready to commit.  

How soon after quitting can I get implants?

There’s no fixed waiting period, as it will depend on your health. The longer you’re smoke-free before surgery, the better your body’s healing capacity. Discuss timing with your dentist, and they’ll be able to assess when you’re ready. 

References

Mustapha, A., Salame, Z., & Chrcanovic, B. (2021). Smoking and dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina, 58(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58010039 Cited by: 164

Bain, C. A., & Moy, P. K. (1993). The association between the failure of dental implants and cigarette smoking. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 8(6), 608–615. Cited by: 991

Theadom, A., & Cropley, M. (2006). Effects of preoperative smoking cessation on the incidence and risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications in adult smokers: a systematic review. Tobacco Control, 15(5), 352–358. https://doi.org/10.1136/tc.2005.015263 Cited by: 334