How much does smoking increase the risk of implant failure?

Clinical research consistently shows that smokers experience implant failure rates two to three times higher than non-smokers, with some studies reporting even larger differences. Implants placed in the upper jaw carry the highest risk in smoking patients. The risk varies based on how much a patient smokes, how long they have smoked, bone density, and overall oral health — which is why individual evaluation is so important.

Do I have to quit smoking to get dental implants?

Quitting smoking permanently produces the best implant outcomes and is the recommendation from a broad oral and systemic health standpoint. However, even patients who are not ready to quit permanently can significantly improve their outcomes by abstaining for at least one week before surgery and eight weeks after. Longer cessation periods produce progressively better results. Patients who continue smoking throughout treatment face substantially higher complication rates.

What is peri-implantitis and why are smokers more at risk?

Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding a dental implant that causes progressive bone loss and, if untreated, implant failure. It is the implant equivalent of periodontal disease around natural teeth. Smokers are more susceptible because smoking impairs immune function, reduces blood supply to gum tissue, and alters the oral bacterial environment in ways that favor the pathogens associated with peri-implantitis. Regular monitoring and meticulous oral hygiene are essential for smoking implant patients.

How long should I stop smoking before getting dental implants?

The longer the cessation period before surgery, the better. Studies show meaningful benefit from cessation of at least one week before placement, with progressively better outcomes associated with longer pre-surgical abstinence. Patients who have been smoke-free for six months or more before implant placement have outcomes significantly closer to those of lifelong non-smokers. Whatever cessation is achievable is better than none — but the goal should be the longest possible abstinence before and after the procedure.

What if I have already had implants placed and I smoke?

Patients with existing implants who smoke should be particularly vigilant about peri-implantitis monitoring, oral hygiene, and regular periodontal maintenance visits. If you have existing implants and are smoking, contact our office for an assessment of implant and tissue health — early identification of any developing problems is far preferable to waiting until symptoms become obvious.

Are electronic cigarettes or vaping safer for dental implant patients than traditional cigarettes?

The research on e-cigarettes and implant outcomes is less extensive than on traditional cigarettes, but the available evidence does not support the assumption that vaping is significantly safer for implant healing. Nicotine — present in most e-cigarette products — is the primary driver of the vasoconstriction and impaired blood flow that compromises osseointegration. Vaping also delivers other compounds that affect oral tissue health. Patients who vape should disclose this to their surgical team and should not assume that e-cigarette use presents meaningfully lower risk than traditional cigarette smoking.

How do I get started with an implant evaluation at The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas?

The first step is scheduling a consultation with our team. We will review your medical and dental history, perform a comprehensive evaluation including imaging, and have an honest conversation about your candidacy, your options, and what treatment would involve given your specific circumstances. Contact us to schedule your consultation or call our office directly at (702) 367-6666.

How Long Does Swelling Last After Oral Surgery? A Day-by-Day Timeline

Q: Can smokers get dental implants?

Yes, smokers can receive dental implants. Smoking is a significant risk factor for implant complications and failure, but it is not an absolute contraindication. Many smokers achieve successful implant outcomes with proper evaluation, careful surgical planning, and appropriate pre- and post-operative management. The key factors are a thorough assessment of bone and tissue health, an honest discussion of risks, and a genuine commitment to the steps — including smoking cessation around the time of surgery — that improve outcomes.

TheCenterForOralSurgery
01.06.2026

The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas · Patient Education · Recovery Swelling after oral surgery is normal, expected, and temporary — but knowing what to expect each day makes the recovery process significantly less stressful. Here is exactly what the timeline looks like and what you can do to manage it. If you […]

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Can Smokers Get Dental Implants? What You Need to Know

TheCenterForOralSurgery
01.06.2026

The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas · Dental Implants · Patient Education Smoking doesn’t automatically disqualify you from dental implants — but it does change the conversation significantly. Here is what the research shows, what the risks are, and what you can do to improve your chances of a successful outcome. If you […]

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How Long Does Swelling Last After Oral Surgery? A Day-by-Day Timeline

Can Smokers Get Dental Implants? What You Need to Know

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