I Just Quit Smoking: Will This Help with my Implants?

Sam asks:
I've read a bit on the Internet about smoking and dental implants, and even though I've already had my implants a few weeks ago, I stopped smoking today. Am I too late? Is there a specific time I need to wait if I want to smoke again?

Answered by: Dr. Jeffrey Brook

Massapequa, NY

Hi Sam,

There is certainly a higher implant failure rate and complication rate in cigarette smokers than non-smokers.

The negative effect that smoking has on implants is related to the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. If you smoke less than 5 cigarettes per day, there is virtually no negative effect. If you smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day, statistically there is a higher failure rate.

It is good that you ceased smoking, but there is probably not much you can do now as the initial period prior to and immediately following implant placement is the most crucial for implant success.

The good news is that there is still a high probability that your implant will integrate without an issue. The bad news your chances for a negative result will have been increased at a rate proportional to your cigarette usage.

Good luck with your implant and I hope this has been of some help to you.

Dr. Jeffrey Brook