Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?

Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. However, if you’re a smoker, you may wonder whether this treatment is still an option for you. While smoking doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants, it can increase the risk of complications and affect your long-term success. Let’s take a closer look at how smoking impacts dental implants and what you can do to improve your chances of success.

How Smoking Affects Dental Implant Healing

When you receive a dental implant, a titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone. Over the next few months, your bone fuses with the implant in a process called osseointegration. This step is crucial for creating a stable foundation for your replacement tooth.

Smoking, however, can interfere with this healing process. Nicotine restricts blood flow and reduces oxygen delivery to the gums and bone, which slows healing and increases the risk of infection. The heat and chemicals from cigarette smoke can also irritate gum tissue and delay recovery after implant surgery.

Higher Risk of Implant Failure

Studies show that smokers have a higher rate of dental implant failure compared to non-smokers. In fact, research suggests that the failure rate among smokers can be two to three times higher. This is largely due to slower healing, reduced bone density, and a greater likelihood of developing gum infections like peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease that causes inflammation and bone loss around the implant.

If you continue to smoke after your implant is placed, you may also experience problems such as gum recession, staining of your restoration, or even implant loosening over time.

Can Smokers Still Get Dental Implants?

Yes, smokers can still get dental implants, but it’s important to be honest with your dentist and understand the additional risks involved. Many dentists recommend quitting smoking before and after implant surgery to give your body the best chance to heal properly.

If quitting completely isn’t possible, your dentist may ask you to refrain from smoking for at least two weeks before surgery and two months after the procedure. This window allows your gums and bone to recover and reduces your risk of implant failure.

Tips for Success if You Smoke

If you’re considering dental implants but still smoke, here are a few steps to improve your outcome:

• Cut back or quit smoking before your implant surgery.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, including daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
• Follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to promote faster healing.

While smoking can make dental implant treatment more challenging, it doesn’t automatically rule you out as a candidate. With good oral hygiene, proper care, and a commitment to reducing or quitting smoking, many patients still enjoy successful, long-lasting results. If you’re a smoker considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about your options—they can help you plan a treatment approach that protects both your oral health and your investment.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker has been serving smiles in his community for more than a decade. He earned his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers University Dental School). Upon graduation, he completed the General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. He has continued to stay current in the dental field by completing programs such as Dental Implant Continuum at Columbia University and the Clinical Mastery Dental Restorative Series. If you’re looking to replace your teeth with dental implants, schedule an appointment online or call (732) 223-9199.