There’s often confusion when it comes to smoking and dental implants. Many people assume that being a smoker automatically disqualifies them from getting implant treatment. While it’s true that smoking can increase the risks and complications, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not eligible for dental implants.
Most people know that smoking can cause visible staining and damage to teeth, often leading to embarrassment or a desire to improve their smile. This concern is one of the main reasons why many smokers consider dental implants as a long-term solution. However, it’s important to understand that smoking can affect both the success and timeline of implant treatment.
If you're a smoker considering dental implants, a more detailed treatment plan may be needed. Healing times may be longer, and certain precautions must be taken to reduce the risk of complications. Let’s explore how smoking impacts implant treatment and what can be done to improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Research clearly shows a strong link between smoking and gum disease. In fact, smokers are up to seven times more likely to develop gum disease compared to non-smokers. Because healthy gums are essential for successful dental implants, any existing gum disease usually needs to be treated before implant placement can begin. This additional treatment can extend the overall timeline and increase the cost of your implant journey.
One of the main advantages of dental implants is their ability to fuse naturally with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a strong, stable foundation for the new tooth. However, chemicals in cigarette smoke—particularly nicotine—can reduce blood flow, which slows down this critical bone growth and healing process.
For example, while non-smokers typically achieve osseointegration within 3 to 6 weeks, smokers may need 12 weeks or more. Although a longer healing time isn’t always a problem, both the patient and surgeon must keep this in mind and monitor the process carefully, as in some cases, osseointegration may not occur at all.
Dental implants are especially vulnerable to bacterial infection during the initial healing phase. Unfortunately, tobacco smoke can introduce harmful bacteria into the surgical site, which can then invade the gums and around the implant. Over time, this bacterial buildup can lead to peri-implantitis—a painful inflammation that may cause implant failure if not treated promptly.
Because of this risk, implant specialists at Ora Dental strongly recommend quitting smoking before and during the healing period. If quitting completely isn’t possible, stopping smoking at least until the implant has fully healed is essential to protect your investment and oral health.
At Ora Dental, we have helped many patients—including smokers—successfully restore their smiles with dental implants. We make sure every patient understands the risks and what they can do to maximise their chances of a smooth recovery. If you’d like to learn more about how dental implants can transform your life, get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
At Ora Dental, we understand that many smokers want to improve their smiles with dental implants, and we believe that smoking should not automatically rule out this life-changing treatment. Our experienced dental team carefully assesses each patient’s individual health and lifestyle factors to create a personalised treatment plan designed to optimise healing and implant success—even for smokers.
While smoking can increase certain risks, with thorough planning, expert care, and close monitoring, smokers can still achieve excellent results. We provide detailed advice on how to reduce complications, including strategies to support gum health, encourage bone healing, and minimise bacterial infection during recovery.
By choosing Ora Dental, you gain access to the latest technology and proven techniques in implant dentistry, along with compassionate support every step of the way—from your initial consultation to long-term aftercare. Our goal is to help you regain your confidence, restore full function, and enjoy a natural-looking smile that lasts a lifetime.
If you smoke and are considering dental implants, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through a treatment journey tailored specifically to you.
