Smoking After Dental Implant Surgery: The Risks and Why You Should Quit

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps anyone can take for their overall health, but for patients considering or recovering from dental implant surgery, it’s absolutely critical.

As Dr. Nitesh explains:

“Stopping smoking is so much easier said than done. Don’t get me wrong, it’s very addictive… but it also comes with a lot of risks.”

In the UK, smoking remains the leading cause of premature death, cutting an average of 10 years from a smoker’s life. But beyond the impact on general health, smoking directly affects your mouth, gums, and jawbone - the very foundations dental implants rely on.

If you’re investing in your smile with implants, quitting smoking may be the single most important decision you make for their long-term success.

Why Quitting Is So Difficult

One of the biggest reasons people struggle with smoking is that nicotine is powerfully addictive. As Dr. Nitesh explains, quitting can make people feel “quite cranky and moody” because the body is craving something it has grown used to. For many, smoking isn’t just a chemical addiction but also a habit tied to routine - stepping outside for a break, winding down after stress, or simply doing something with their hands.

That’s why it’s important to recognise that struggling to quit doesn’t mean failure. On average, it takes around eight attempts before someone fully stops smoking. Some quit “cold turkey,” while others take multiple tries, using different approaches until something works. As Dr. Nitesh points out, willpower plays a role, but so does preparation, support from family and friends, and finding healthier ways to manage cravings.

When it comes to oral health, this persistence is particularly important. Smoking is a leading cause of tooth loss and can reduce the long-term success of dental implants.

How Smoking Affects Dental Implant Success

Smoking doesn’t just harm the lungs - it weakens the entire body through chronic inflammation and reduced circulation. This has serious consequences for implant patients:

• Poor Healing After Surgery: Nicotine restricts blood flow, slowing down gum and bone healing after implant placement.
• Higher Risk of Implant Failure: Smokers are up to three times more likely to experience implant failure compared to non-smokers.
• Weaker Jawbone Support: Smoking affects the bone cells that anchor implants, making them less stable over time.
• Increased Gum Disease: Smoking is a leading cause of periodontitis, which can destroy the tissues and bone needed to hold implants securely.

As Dr. Nitesh emphasises, our goal isn’t to scaremonger, or make patients feel pressured. Instead, we’re here to provide the best advice on how to look after your smile - and that starts with taking care of your health.

By framing quitting as a positive step rather than a restriction, patients can see it for what it truly is: an opportunity for healthier gums, smoother recovery and greater long-term success with their dental implants.

Practical Strategies for Quitting

Dr. Nitesh shares several proven strategies to make quitting more achievable:

• Set a quit date: Dr. Nitesh emphasises that quitting smoking works best when it’s planned, not left to chance. Choose a specific day within the next couple of weeks to stop - waiting too long only delays progress and increases anxiety.
• Lean on support: Involve friends and family who understand that cravings and irritability are part of withdrawal, not personal.
• Replace the habit: Find alternatives to smoking breaks, such as chewing gum, using a fidget toy, or taking a walk to manage restlessness.
• Nicotine replacement: Consider products like gums, lozenges, or patches to ease cravings
• Use vaping as a stepping stone: Some find it helpful for gradually reducing nicotine, and whilst vaping is thought to be less harmful than cigarettes, Dr. Nitesh stresses that it should only be used as a short-term tool, not a permanent alternative.

These strategies are designed to make quitting feel less overwhelming and more achievable. Even the smallest changes can improve healing and boost the long-term success of dental implants.

The Rewards of Quitting

The benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately. Within days, circulation improves, breathing feels easier, and energy levels start to rise. Over time, the risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer reduce dramatically, while overall life expectancy increases. As Dr. Nitesh explains, stopping smoking is “one of the best ways” to improve your long-term health and wellbeing.

Beyond the medical benefits, there are lifestyle rewards too. Food tastes better, your sense of smell sharpens, and everyday activities like exercise become more enjoyable. There’s also a financial impact, with the rising cost of cigarettes, many people are surprised at just how much money they save once they stop.

For dental patients, the rewards go even further. Quitting smoking means healthier gums and stronger bone structure, which provide a much better foundation for implants to heal and last.

Every attempt to quit brings these benefits closer. Whether it takes one try or several, the rewards of a smoke-free life are always worth the effort.

Take The First Step Today

Quitting smoking is never easy, but as Dr. Nitesh reminds us, it’s always worth it. At 21D, we’ve seen how patients who commit to quitting before or after surgery, see lasting benefits for both their dental implants and their overall health.

If you’re thinking about quitting, remember that you don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone. Set a date, reach out for support, and take it one step at a time. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll feel the rewards of a life free from cigarettes.