Can Smokers Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. But if you’re a smoker, you might be wondering: “Can I still get dental implants?” The short answer is yes but with some important considerations. 

1. How Smoking Affects Dental Implants  Smoking significantly increases the risks associated with dental implant treatment. Here’s what evidence-based research shows:  Higher implant failure rates: Smokers face a 140% higher risk of implant failure compared to non-smokers.  A 10-year retrospective study found implant failure occurred in 11.3% of smokers, compared to only 5.6% of non-smokers.  Marginal bone loss and peri-implantitis rates are twice as high in smokers, raising the risk of long-term complications.  One study highlighted a marvelous hazard ratio of 36 for implant failure among smokers over long-term follow-up.  Mechanistically, nicotine and other tobacco components impair healing by reducing blood flow, hindering osseointegration (the critical process where implants bond with jawbone). 
2. Can Smokers Still Get Implants?  Yes – many smokers get dental implants and maintain them successfully for years. However, success depends on:  The amount and frequency of smoking.  Your overall oral health (gum condition, bone density).  Your commitment to pre- and post-surgery care.  Greenfield’s Tip: Even if you’re a smoker, making the decision to quit or at least reduce smoking before and after dental implant surgery can dramatically improve your chances of long-term success. Studies have shown that smoking can double the risk of implant failure compared to non-smokers, mainly due to slower healing and reduced blood flow to the gums. By cutting down on cigarettes or ideally quitting altogether – you give your body the best environment to integrate the implant with your jawbone. At Greenfield Dental, our team is here to guide you with practical advice, pre-surgery preparation, and post-surgery care, so you can achieve a healthy, lasting smile even if you’ve had a history of smoking. 
3. How to Improve Implant Success as a Smoker  If you’re considering implants, here are some steps to reduce risks:  Quit or pause smoking at least 1-2 weeks before surgery and 2-3 months afterward.  Maintain excellent oral hygiene: brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily.  Regular dental checkups every 6 months for professional cleaning and monitoring.  Follow dietary advice during healing (soft foods, avoid alcohol and excess sugar). 
4. Alternatives for High-Risk Smokers  In cases where smoking has caused severe bone loss or gum disease, your dentist may recommend:  Bone grafting to rebuild lost bone before implants.  Implant-supported dentures or bridges, which may be more suitable in some cases.  Non-surgical solutions like conventional bridges or removable dentures. 
5. Greenfield Dental’s Approach  At Greenfield Dental, we recognize that lifestyle habits like smoking can make implant treatment more complex but not impossible. That’s why we take a comprehensive and proactive approach to every implant case, ensuring patient safety and long-term success.  Advanced Diagnostics: Every patient undergoes a full oral and jaw assessment using CT Cone Beam 3D imaging, giving us a clear view of bone density, nerve pathways, and gum health before surgery.  Personalized Risk Management: We design individualized treatment plans that take into account smoking habits, overall health, and oral condition, while recommending strategies to minimize risk.