Smoking is the single largest modifiable risk factor for dental implant failure. We will be straightforward with you: implants in smokers fail more often, heal slower, and have higher long-term complication rates than implants in non-smokers. That said, smokers can absolutely have implants placed at WeCare. We take you on as a patient — but the protocol changes, the consent is more detailed, and the success expectations are framed honestly.
The Real Numbers
Across the published implant literature, smokers have:
- Approximately 2× higher early implant failure rate (within first year)
- 15-20% higher risk of peri-implantitis (gum disease around implant) over 10 years
- 30-40% slower bone integration in the first 3 months
- Higher rates of bone loss around the implant neck over the long term
These are averages. Heavy smokers (1 pack+ per day for 10+ years) have significantly worse outcomes than light or social smokers. The good news: quitting before surgery — even just 2 weeks — measurably improves outcomes.
Why Smoking Hurts Implant Healing
Smoking damages implant integration through several biological mechanisms:
- Vasoconstriction — Nicotine narrows blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the surgical site.
- Reduced immune response — Carbon monoxide displaces oxygen on red blood cells, slowing white blood cell activity at the wound.
- Altered bone metabolism — Smoking suppresses osteoblast activity, the cells that build new bone around the implant.
- Direct chemical irritation — Smoke chemicals contact the gum line, increasing local inflammation around the implant neck.
These effects are dose-dependent. Quitting completely is best; reducing significantly still helps.
The WeCare Smoker Protocol
If you smoke and want implants at WeCare, here is exactly what we ask:
4 weeks before surgery (ideal)
- Complete cessation. Use nicotine patches if needed (they avoid smoke chemistry).
- Vitamin C and protein-rich diet to support immune function.
2 weeks before surgery (minimum)
- Complete cessation. We do not negotiate this minimum.
- We re-confirm cessation by clinical interview on the day of surgery.
Day of surgery and first 14 days post-surgery
- Absolutely no smoking. Nicotine patches OK.
- Smoking in this window dramatically increases failure risk.
14 days to 3 months (osseointegration window)
- Strongly recommended to remain smoke-free until full bone integration.
- If you must resume, switch to vape or reduce significantly.
Long-term
- Annual peri-implantitis screening recommended (vs every 2 years for non-smokers).
- Use of a Waterpik / oral irrigator daily.
What We Do Differently for Smokers
- Implant brand selection — We prefer Straumann SLActive® or Nobel Biocare TiUltra surfaces for smokers because of their faster early integration profile.
- Antibiotic course — Extended from 5 days to 7-10 days.
- Suture timing — Removed at 14 days instead of 7-10 days to support slower wound healing.
- Crown timing — Final crown placed at 4 months instead of 3, after confirmed integration on follow-up scan.
- Aftercare schedule — More frequent WhatsApp check-ins for the first 6 weeks.
- Long-term follow-up — Annual remote photo screening included for 5 years, free of charge.
Honest Conversation Before You Pay
Before any smoker patient pays for implant treatment, we have a frank conversation: smoking affects your outcome, and we want you to make a fully informed choice. We document this in your file. If you continue smoking and the implant fails, our warranty still applies for the replacement, but we want you to understand that prevention is better than warranty.
What to Send Us
To plan your treatment, send via WhatsApp:
- Recent panoramic X-ray (OPG)
- Honest smoking history (cigarettes per day, years smoked, vape use)
- Cessation plan if you have one (we can recommend programs)
- Any cardiologist letter if relevant
Within 24 hours we send a written treatment plan with the smoker protocol, brand options, timing, and your individual quotation. We then arrange your 4-star hotel, airport transfer, and clinic shuttle.
WhatsApp +90 551 086 83 68 with your X-ray for a realistic, no-judgement consultation.
