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
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Quick, no-judgement assessment
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
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you for the five stars, Kevin! We really appreciate you taking the time to support our team at Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London. 💙
09/17/2026
From start to finish they couldn't do enough made sure there was no pain and explained every detail which other companies did not do. I'm very happy with results thanks you
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Tracy! We’re so pleased you’re happy with your results and felt comfortable throughout your treatment. It’s lovely to hear that having every step explained made a difference. Your kind words mean a lot to our team at Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London. 💙
09/16/2026
Always friendly smiley reception both in Reception and in the surgery. The issues with teeth and gums are always carefully explained with the aid of a current X-Ray photo. Joe Flight is exceptionally caring and accommodating of personal circumstances with structured payment plans. Altogether PERFECT. THEY SAY THAT PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT. THIS PRACTICE IS PERFECT. THANK YOU. NICK
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Nick! Your “practise makes perfect” line certainly made us smile. 😊 It’s lovely to hear that you feel so well looked after by Joe and the team, and that everything is explained clearly. We really appreciate your thoughtful words and look forward to welcoming you back!
09/16/2026
Dr. Yasser El-Ali at Dental by Design did something truly priceless: he healed my fear and changed my life. People often focus on the cost of implants, but money was the last thing on my mind after what I went through. Four previous dentists left me so traumatised that I ended up in the hospital twice with dangerous blood pressure. I never thought I could face this surgery. Dr. Yasser changed everything. His incredible skill and calming nature completely erased years of trauma. You cannot put a price tag on a doctor who restores both your smile and your peace of mind.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Xhevahir, for sharing such a deeply moving review. We are truly honoured that Dr Yasser El-Ali helped you overcome years of dental fear and made you feel safe throughout your implant treatment. Knowing that he restored not only your smile but also your peace of mind means more to our entire team than words can express. Thank you for placing your trust in Dr Yasser and Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London. We wish you many happy and confident years with your new smile.
09/14/2026
Finished treatment at Dental by Design and have been very well looked after throughout the process. Dr Yasser and Mr Ledio have been amazing and supportive every step of the way and I'm super happy with the end result of treatment. Thank you.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Luke! We’re delighted that you felt well looked after throughout your treatment and that you’re so happy with the final result. Dr Yasser, Ledio and the entire team really appreciate your kind words. It was a pleasure caring for you at Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London!
09/12/2026
Are you better and cheaper than Bannings please?
Response from Dental By Design
Hi Peter, it’s difficult to compare without knowing which treatment you need. At Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London, we focus on high-quality care and transparent, competitive pricing. You’re welcome to book a free consultation so we can assess your needs and provide an accurate quote.
09/12/2026
Excellent results and experience. The treatment was very quick and effective thank you
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Rashna. We’re delighted to hear that you’re pleased with both the results and your experience, and that your treatment felt quick and effective. We really appreciate your kind review and look forward to welcoming you back to Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London.
09/09/2026
I found Dental By Design with the help of our friend Google. I did a thorough ChatGPT search on the practice, and Dr. Yassa and the results were outstanding. My experience with Dr. Yassa was always one of kindness respect. He was always very helpful and understanding his nurse.Ms Adriana was always very kind always make me feel welcome. I have nothing but praise for the practice Dr. Yassa and ms Adriana whenever I arrived at the practice, the receptionist were Alsoso very kind and helpful I look forward to seeing them again when I need to go in for further appointments I Have recommend this practice To my family and friends, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anybody needing help with their teeth. Overall, my experience has been outstanding.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for choosing Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London. We’re delighted that Dr Yasser, Adriana and our reception team made you feel welcome, respected and well cared for throughout your visits. Your recommendation to your family and friends means a great deal to us. We look forward to welcoming you back and continuing to support you with your dental care!
09/08/2026
Ready to join our satisfied patients?
Let's Talk Honestly About Your Options
Book a free consultation. We'll assess your situation, explain the risks clearly, and create a plan that gives you the best chance of success.