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?
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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
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Nadezhda, for your five-star rating! We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back to Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London.
09/05/2026
Professional and competent staff. I found Dr Yaser very honest and knowledgeable person.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Mir, for your kind review. We’re delighted that you found our team professional and competent, and that Dr Yaser made such a positive impression with his honest and knowledgeable approach. We truly appreciate your trust in Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London.
09/02/2026
Extremely professional and friendly. Highly recommend.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Kofi! We’re delighted you found our team professional and friendly. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back to Dental by Design in Hammersmith!
08/28/2026
This refers to my consultation today. My whole experience from speaking to the receptionist and subsequent consultation with the dentist was very professional. The practice is ultra modern and exceptionally clean. I found my treatment plan to be detailed and well priced. I'm actually looking forward to my treatment.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Roger. We are so pleased to hear you had a positive experience and found the practice professional, modern, and clean. It is great to know your treatment plan felt detailed and well priced. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
08/26/2026
Great first appointment. Professional, caring and friendly. Reception immediately put me at ease and all staff I met followed suit. I’ve decided to have my all on 6 implants here after an extensive search. Will update after treatment 🤞🏾
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Sharon! We’re delighted that our reception and clinical teams made you feel comfortable from the moment you arrived. Choosing where to have All-on-6 dental implants is a big decision, so it means a great deal that you chose Dental by Design in Hammersmith, London after such extensive research. We look forward to supporting you throughout your treatment!
08/26/2026
Consultation Visit, superb from start to finish, speed of scans, technology used, and discussion of treatment and the various steps was superb. Plenty of things to consider, but overall highly recommend
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Ian! We’re delighted your consultation was superb from start to finish. It’s wonderful to hear that the efficient scans, technology and clear explanation of your treatment options made such a positive impression. Take all the time you need to consider everything, and our team at Dental by Design in Hammersmith will be happy to answer any further questions. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
08/22/2026
I was very pleased with my visit yesterday. I will be able to give a fuller account when my treatment is finished. I had a very pleasant experience with all the staff who were so friendly and helpful.
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you so much, Mary! We’re delighted that your visit was such a positive experience and that our team made you feel welcome and supported. We look forward to caring for you throughout the rest of your treatment at Dental by Design in Hammersmith and hearing about your experience once it is complete.
08/20/2026
Great service with friendly staff
Response from Dental By Design
Thank you, Steve! We’re delighted you received great service and found our team friendly. We really appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back to Dental by Design in Hammersmith.
08/20/2026
I was unable to attend the appointment so can't comment.
Response from Dental By Design
Hi Iain, thank you for letting us know. We’re sorry you were unable to attend your appointment. If you would like to rearrange, please contact our team and we’ll be happy to find another suitable time for you.
08/19/2026
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