Are dental implants successful in smokers?
There are some data to show increase rates of implant failure in smokers, however, it is not an absolute contraindication. In our experience, smoking can be more detrimental during the healing phase after implant placement (The initial 6- 8 weeks when the main integration process occurs). Following this period, it does not seem to have as much damaging effect. I have had successful outcomes in many patients who smoke, particularly when they ceased smoking during the healing phase.
