Dental Implants for Smokers:
Honest Risks, Real Options
Smoking affects implant success rates. We won't pretend it doesn't. But most smokers still achieve good outcomes with the right approach. Here's the straight talk.
88-93%
success rate for smokers
95-99%
success rate for non-smokers
From £28
per month with finance
No judgement. Just the facts.
If you smoke and you're looking into dental implants, you've probably read conflicting advice. Some sources say smoking makes implants impossible. Others gloss over the risks entirely. Neither is helpful.
The truth is straightforward: smoking increases the risk of implant failure, but most smokers still get successful results. The key is understanding the risks, following a modified protocol, and being realistic about what you can commit to around surgery.
We treat smokers regularly and will never refuse you treatment or lecture you about your choices. What we will do is give you an honest assessment and the best possible plan for your situation.
Smokers have a 7-12% higher risk of implant failure than non-smokers
That means 88-93% of implants in smokers still succeed. The risk is real but manageable. Temporary cessation around surgery, careful placement, and regular monitoring significantly close the gap.
Source: Journal of Dental Research
What Smokers Actually Want to Know
"Will you refuse to treat me because I smoke?"
Some clinics do decline smokers. Others don't mention the risks at all. Neither approach serves you well.
We treat smokers. We'll explain the risks honestly and modify our protocol to give you the best chance of success. We ask for a smoking cessation window around surgery (2 weeks before, 8 weeks after), but we won't turn you away.
"I can't quit smoking. Is there any point?"
Quitting isn't easy, and some patients feel that if they can't quit permanently, there's no benefit to trying.
Even temporary cessation helps significantly. Stopping for the 10-week window around surgery dramatically improves healing. Reducing consumption at any time improves outcomes. And many patients find that getting new teeth becomes motivation to quit for good.
"How do I know if the implant is failing?"
Smokers are understandably more anxious about complications. Signs of trouble can be subtle, and early intervention is critical.
We monitor smoking patients more closely. You'll have check-ups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after placement. Signs to watch for include persistent pain, swelling, or looseness. If caught early, most complications can be resolved without losing the implant.
"What about bone healing? I've heard smoking slows it down"
Nicotine restricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the surgical site. Less blood flow means slower delivery of nutrients needed for bone healing.
This is the main clinical concern, and it's why we modify the protocol. Wider implants increase initial stability. Longer healing periods allow for slower integration. And the cessation window around surgery coincides with the most critical healing phase.
How Smoking Status Affects Outcomes
| Quit Completely | Reduce + Cessation Window | Continue Smoking |
|---|---|---|
Implant success rate | ||
| 95-99% | 90-95% | 85-90% |
Healing time | ||
| Standard (3-6 months) | Slightly longer | Longer, more monitoring needed |
Risk of peri-implantitis | ||
| Low | Moderate | Higher |
Long-term prognosis | ||
| Excellent | Good | Fair, requires careful maintenance |
Our recommendation | ||
| Best outcome possible | Strongly recommended minimum | We'll still treat you, with honest risk counselling |
| Quit Completely | Reduce + Cessation Window | Continue Smoking | |
|---|---|---|---|
Implant success rate | 95-99% | 90-95% | 85-90% |
Healing time | Standard (3-6 months) | Slightly longer | Longer, more monitoring needed |
Risk of peri-implantitis | Low | Moderate | Higher |
Long-term prognosis | Excellent | Good | Fair, requires careful maintenance |
Our recommendation | Best outcome possible | Strongly recommended minimum | We'll still treat you, with honest risk counselling |
Modified Protocol for Smokers
How we adjust the process to maximise your chances
Consultation and honest risk assessment
We assess your oral health, bone density, and smoking history. You'll get a clear picture of your personal risk level and what we can do to reduce it. No judgement, just facts.
Pre-surgery cessation window
We ask you to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before implant placement. This allows blood flow to normalise and gum tissue to improve. We can provide information about nicotine replacement therapies to help.
Implant placement with modified approach
We may use wider or longer implants for additional stability. Placement technique accounts for potentially lower bone density. Sedation is available if the cessation period is making you anxious.
Post-surgery cessation window
The most critical healing phase. Continuing to avoid smoking during this period is the single biggest factor in your implant's success. We provide support and check-ins throughout.
Enhanced monitoring
More frequent check-ups than standard patients: at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Early detection of any issues means early intervention, which dramatically improves outcomes.
Total estimated treatment time: Same timeline as standard treatment, with added cessation windows and monitoring
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Smoking and Implants: Your Questions Answered
Can smokers get dental implants?
Yes. Smoking increases the risk of implant complications but does not prevent treatment. Success rates for smokers are lower (88-93%) compared to non-smokers (95-99%), but the majority of smoking patients still achieve good outcomes with appropriate protocols.
Do I have to quit smoking before getting implants?
Quitting is strongly recommended but not strictly required. At minimum, we ask patients to stop smoking for 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after surgery. This cessation window significantly improves healing and implant integration. We can help connect you with smoking cessation resources.
How does smoking affect dental implants?
Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums and bone, which slows healing after surgery. It also increases the risk of peri-implantitis (infection around implants) and can reduce the bone's ability to fuse with the implant. The more you smoke, the higher the risk.
What if I can't quit smoking completely?
Reducing consumption helps. Patients who cut down to under 10 cigarettes per day have better outcomes than heavy smokers. We're honest about the risks but will work with you regardless. The temporary cessation around surgery is the most critical period.
Are there special implant protocols for smokers?
Yes. We may use wider or longer implants for additional stability, plan for slightly longer healing periods, and schedule more frequent monitoring appointments. Some smokers benefit from sedation to manage anxiety during the cessation window.
What about vaping and dental implants?
Vaping is less harmful than smoking for implant outcomes, but nicotine in any form still restricts blood flow and can affect healing. If you've switched to vaping, your implant prognosis is generally better than for cigarette smokers, but nicotine-free periods around surgery are still beneficial.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from real patients who transformed their smiles with Dental By Design
What a great first experience of this team , very happy and will be going ahead with accessing their services.
07/04/2026
A TRULY life changing experience. When a tooth cracked just before Christmas, it was the final straw for me. I decided to look into full arch dental work, and after some detailed research, I chose Dental By Design. From the very first appointment, to post surgery check-ups, the service has been nothing but first class. Dr Yasser is a genius, a dental Michelangelo. Along with his assistant Adriana, he made me comfortable, he answered every question patiently, and built out a plan for a double arch surgery. On the day of the operation, I was in no pain, I was looked after at every step of the journey by Dr Yasser and Adriana, and he took incredibly care and detail to ensure that my arches were fitted perfectly. He make a long and complex operation feel simple and pain free, and the end result was worth every penny. Post operation, I felt no pain, recovery has been simple, and I am now sitting here with a beautiful smile, and with the confidence to smile again. It really DOES change the way you eat, talk, and smile again. Supporting Dr Yasser and Adriana are a wonderful, friendly, and super helpful front desk team, who could not do enough to help me ( and even made sure I got home safe after the operation! ). I cannot thank Dr Yasser and the team at Dental by Design enough. If you are thinking of having this done, do it, you won't regret it!!
06/29/2026
This place and the people there have genuinely changed my life! Got multiple implants here after years and years of not having been to a dentist due to severe anxiety and PTSD. As a result my oral health had really suffered, I had to have some teeth removed last year and had lost all confidence. From my first appointment with Dr. Yasser he made me feel safe and supported. There was never an ounce of judgement and just kindness, understanding and great communication. He definitely knows what he is doing, discusses personalised treatment options with you and just makes you feel like you're in the best hands. Can't could always sense whether I needed distraction in which case he was great at making me laugh or just some kind, calm words. Ms Adriana, the lovely nurse who was always there during our appointment was also always such a calm and kind presence in the room. She let me hold her hand when I needed it and also did such a great job! As well as the kind reception who always welcomed me with a smile and made me feel as calm as possible. Thank you to the entire team for making me feel safe and for giving me a new, great smile that I can show off confidently!
06/29/2026
First class experience, don’t bother going anywhere else, i contacted other countries companies before I found Dr Yasser and Mr Ledio, no comparison, first class from minute 1. Found it brilliant that you get time with the Dr Yasser at the very start, I asked him lots of questions and got lots of reassurance from the start, can’t praise them high enough, had my procedure, went great. Very happy customer, big thumbs up 👍
06/27/2026
I have been attending Dental by Design… I have been attending Dental by Design for I think 4 years and I have noting bye praise for all the Dentist that work there but one in particular Rob Jung. I had a fault with my bridge I was very worried as I thought I would lose the perfect smile that dental by design but Rob assured me he would get my Smile 😃 but and today was that day when Rob gave me the Mirror it was the best my teeth have ever looked even better than the last bridge, I got out of the chair and gave him the biggest hug I could and thank Rob so much for giving me my Smile back. THANK YOU DENTAL BY DESIGN. If you are thinking about getting your teeth done I would say this is the best place ever. They take care of you from start to finish. I just so glad I found them and went to get my teeth done there. 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 all the way.
06/25/2026
I had an excellent experience at this dental clinic today. From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely welcome. Unfortunately, I was running late and had to call ahead, but the team were so understanding and reassuring. When I arrived, I was offered water and coffee, which immediately made me feel comfortable and valued as a patient. The entire team was incredibly professional, friendly, and attentive. I came in for a consultation regarding a single dental implant, and the dentist was outstanding. He explained everything in great detail, taking the time to go through all the options, the procedure itself, and what to expect throughout the process. I never felt rushed and was encouraged to ask questions. What really stood out was how approachable and personable he was. Not only was he highly knowledgeable and professional, but he also had a great sense of humour, which helped put me completely at ease. We even had a good laugh, making what could have been a stressful appointment feel relaxed and enjoyable. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my experience. The level of care, professionalism, and friendliness was exceptional. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for dental treatment, especially if you’re considering an implant. Thank you to the whole team for making me feel so welcome.
06/24/2026
I cannot recommend Dr. Yasser and his dental nurse, Adriana, highly enough. I recently underwent a full mouth dental restoration with implant-supported bridges, a procedure that lasted approximately six hours from start to finish. Despite the length of the treatment, which had a break at the halfway point, the entire experience was completely painless and far more comfortable than I ever imagined. From the very beginning, Dr. Yasser demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and attention to detail. He took the time to explain every stage of the procedure, which gave me complete confidence and peace of mind throughout the day. Adriana was equally outstanding, providing constant support, reassurance, and care that made the whole experience feel relaxed and stress-free. The results have been nothing short of life-changing. Seeing my new teeth and smile for the first time was an incredibly emotional moment. The transformation has given me a level of confidence I haven’t felt in years, and I genuinely wish I had gone ahead with the treatment much sooner. If you are considering a full mouth restoration using implant-supported bridges, I can honestly say that placing my trust in Dr. Yasser and Adriana was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Their expertise, kindness, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome have completely transformed my smile and my quality of life. Thank you both for such an incredible experience and an amazing result. Also a big thank you to Dr. Yasser for picking the incredible Pink Floyd soundtrack to listen to as the procedure unfolded. I’m no longer just another brick in the wall.
06/21/2026
The whole experience was even better than I expected. As someone who has always been afraid of visiting the dentist, Dr. Rob Jung immediately made me feel at ease. The professional care and attention I received from him and his entire team were truly exceptional. The smile that Dr. Rob gave me has genuinely changed my life, and I cannot thank him enough for his skill, kindness, and dedication. I am so grateful for the outstanding treatment and support I received throughout the process. I would highly recommend Dr. Rob Jung and his team to anyone looking for excellent dental care. Varsha Mehta
06/16/2026
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