Dental Implants: What Smokers Should Know Before the Procedure

Smoking not only harms blood vessels, the heart, and lungs—it also poses a risk to dental, gum, and jaw health. For heavy smokers (over 20 cigarettes per day), getting and maintaining a dental implant comes with certain risks. Here we’ve outlined the most important facts about dental implants for smokers.

DENTAL IMPLANTS AND SMOKERS: REDUCED BONE STABILITY

Scientific studies show that heavy smokers are six times more likely to develop inflammatory diseases of the periodontium (periodontitis) than non-smokers. This leads to the deterioration of jawbone and connective tissue in the oral cavity.

Aside from genetic factors, smokers often have poorer bone quality than non-smokers, which can make implant placement more difficult. A stable bone structure is essential for dental implants to ensure they are securely anchored. If bone volume is insufficient, surgical bone augmentation procedures—such as a sinus lift—may be required. These come with added risks for smokers. Our dental implant specialists recommend quitting smoking in advance if you want your implant to last long-term.

SMOKING DELAYS HEALING AFTER IMPLANT SURGERY

If you decide to get a dental implant despite smoking, it’s important to understand that the procedure is complex. Unlike conventional restorations like crowns, implant placement is a surgical procedure. It involves opening the gum and preparing the jawbone at the selected site using a drill. The implant, usually designed with a screw thread, is then inserted into the bone.

Once successfully placed, the implant fuses naturally with the jawbone over the next three to six months, forming a firm base like a natural tooth root. Smoking during this healing phase can disrupt the process. Tobacco smoke contains harmful substances that increase inflammation in the mouth and hinder healing. For this reason, our implantology experts strongly advise against smoking after implant surgery.

HIGHER RISK OF IMPLANT LOSS IN SMOKERS

Even after the healing phase, smoking continues to affect the success of your dental implant. Studies have shown that implants have a shorter lifespan in smokers than in non-smokers.

A study by the University of Manchester found that smokers are twice as likely to lose implants within five years compared to non-smokers. In the study, 1,500 patients were observed (1,100 non-smokers and 549 smokers). Implant loss rates were 2.9% for non-smokers and 5.5% for smokers over five years. Other studies have shown that roughly 10% of smokers lose their implants within ten years.

One major cause of this increased failure rate is peri-implantitis—inflammation of the tissue surrounding the implant, which is more common among smokers. If left untreated, this inflammation can lead to implant loss, making the cost and effort of an implant all the more frustrating.

FROM GUM TO HYPNOSIS: SUPPORT FOR QUITTING SMOKING

The implantologists at KU64 Berlin recommend quitting smoking at least 14 days before and after both the bone graft and the implant procedure. Even better would be to quit permanently. Nicotine patches can help relieve withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture or hypnotherapy with a qualified practitioner may also support smoking cessation.

However, dentists advise against replacing cigarettes with nicotine gums or lozenges after implant placement. Even though they don’t produce combustion residues like cigarette smoke, they still expose teeth, oral mucosa, and gums to the toxic effects of nicotine. This increases the risk of gum inflammation, periodontitis, and infections such as peri-implantitis or mucositis. In the long term, maintaining a good intake of vitamin C can help promote oral health. Our dental experts are happy to advise you on additional therapies to support smoking cessation.

BENEFITS OF QUITTING SMOKING FOR YOUR HEALTH

Thinking about quitting smoking in preparation for your implant? Becoming a non-smoker protects your health and offers multiple benefits:

  • A brighter smile: Protect your new implant and enjoy a fresh, stain-free smile. Yellow discoloration on teeth, lips, or tongue becomes a thing of the past.

  • Healthier teeth: Non-smokers are less prone to cavities and typically accumulate less tartar than smokers.

  • Fewer inflammations and pain: Smoking heightens sensitivity in the mouth. Quitting reduces the risk of gum inflammation, periodontitis, and painful exposed tooth roots.

  • Stronger teeth: Inflammation of the gums and tooth-supporting structures weakens your dental foundation—leading to tooth loss. Quitting smoking helps preserve your natural support structures.

  • Fresher breath: Smoking fosters bacteria that cause bad breath. Quitting reduces these bacteria and helps maintain fresh breath.

  • Lower cancer risk: Smoking increases the risk of developing oral, throat, and laryngeal cancer. The good news: quitting gradually reduces this risk over time.

Even after years of smoking—it’s never too late to quit. The benefits of being smoke-free are often noticeable immediately and long-lasting.

ADVICE ON DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR SMOKERS AT KU64 BERLIN

Are you a smoker considering dental implants? We’re happy to advise you on your options for long-lasting implants and the right care for your restoration. You’ll find news and updates about our dental practice services on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Book your appointment quickly with our implantology specialists

Call us at +49308647320, send us an email, or book your consultation directly with our dental implant expert Pablo Gonzales. Our dental clinic is open seven days a week.

Source: Press Office of the German Association for Implantology (DGI e.V.)

F.A.Q.

Nicotine is a neurotoxin and constricts blood vessels. This impairs blood circulation in the oral cavity—especially in the gums—and weakens the immune system. As a result, an ideal breeding ground for bacteria is created. These bacteria can spread more easily and trigger inflammation around the neck of the dental implant and surrounding tissue, potentially even reaching the jawbone. Peri-implantitis is irreversible and leads to bone loss. If left untreated, it can result in the loss of dental implants and even adjacent healthy teeth. What’s more, peri-implantitis can still develop many years after implants have been placed.

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are key to preventing peri-implantitis. Our implantology team is trained to detect and treat early signs of infection around implants. Be sure to inform your dentist that you smoke during your regular check-up.