Can I Get a Dental Implant If I Smoke?
Yes, you can get a dental implant if you smoke, but your risk of implant failure is significantly higher than that of a non-smoker. Clinical data shows that smokers experience a failure rate of approximately 10% to 20% , compared to less than 5% in non-smokers. To ensure a successful procedure, most dental specialists require you to quit smoking for at least one to two weeks before surgery and a minimum of two to three months during the initial healing phase. How Smoking Affects the Dental Implant Healing Process Smoking introduces harmful chemicals like nicotine and carbon monoxide into your bloodstream, which constricts the local blood vessels in your oral cavity. According to the FDA’s Dental Implants Guide , a robust and uncompromised blood supply is absolutely necessary for the surrounding gum and bone tissue to heal around the newly placed post. When blood flow is restricted, your body cannot efficiently deliver oxygen, immune cells, and vital nutrients to the surgical si...