Yes — smoking and dental implants do not mix well: smoking makes it harder for an implant to fuse with the jawbone and raises the risk of implant loss and peri-implantitis. A systematic review by Strietzel and colleagues (2007) reported a significantly higher risk of implant failure in smokers than in non-smokers. Smoking does not automatically rule implants out, but stopping or cutting down clearly helps.
Why smoking matters for implants
An implant is a titanium post that must bond firmly with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the healing area. Carbon monoxide lowers the oxygen the blood can carry. Smoking also impairs immune and bone-forming cells, so healing is slower and infection more likely.
Smoking and dental implants: the evidence
Bain and Moy (1993) were among the first to show that implants failed more often in smokers. Later meta-analyses, including Strietzel et al. (2007), confirmed this and also reported more bone loss around implants in smokers. Years later, smokers are also more prone to peri-implantitis, an inflammation that destroys bone around the implant.
When should you stop?
In a study by Bain (1996), patients who stopped smoking one week before surgery and stayed off cigarettes for about eight weeks afterwards had failure rates close to those of non-smokers. In practice, dentists usually advise:
- Stop at least one to two weeks before surgery if you can.
- Do not smoke at all in the first days after surgery.
- Avoid smoking throughout the healing months.
- Quit for good to protect the implant long term.
E-cigarettes usually still contain nicotine, so they are not risk-neutral. Your GP or a stop-smoking service can help you quit.
Planning implants if you smoke
We assess your gums, bone volume and general health, often with 3D imaging. Existing gum disease is treated first. Surgery is carried out under local anaesthesia, and some swelling and tenderness afterwards is normal. Find out more on our dental implants and gum disease treatment pages. A definitive diagnosis and treatment plan are made by the dentist after the examination.
Frequently asked questions
Can smokers get dental implants?
Yes, many smokers can have implants. The risk is higher, and this is discussed openly at the consultation. Quitting or cutting down improves the outlook.
How soon can I smoke after implant surgery?
Ideally not at all. At the very least, avoid smoking in the first days and during the healing period. Your dentist will advise on your individual case.
Do vapes affect implants?
Most vapes contain nicotine, which reduces blood flow and can slow healing. Long-term research is still limited, so caution is sensible.
References
- Strietzel FP, Reichart PA, Kale A, Kulkarni M, Wegner B, Küchler I. Smoking interferes with the prognosis of dental implant treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2007;34(6):523–544.
- Bain CA, Moy PK. The association between the failure of dental implants and cigarette smoking. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1993;8(6):609–615.
- Bain CA. Smoking and implant failure—benefits of a smoking cessation protocol. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1996;11(6):756–759.
Consultation in Istanbul
If you smoke and are thinking about implants, you can book a consultation at our Bahçelievler clinic with Dr Mehmet Fuat Bozaba, who works in periodontology and oral surgery. You can write to us on WhatsApp in English via our contact page.
Medically reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi.