Dental implants and smoking: why does the dentist ask you how much you smoke?

If you smoke, you need to carefully evaluate the risks before having an implant: tobacco increases the likelihood of complications and the failure of the implant to integrate with the bone.

Knowing how many cigarettes you smoke is therefore part of the assessment, along with your oral health.

You might want to answer "a few," especially if you're worried the conversation will turn into a lecture. But a concrete amount helps much more.

Even saying, "I've already tried to quit and I'm struggling," is information to bring to the appointment.

Why the dentist asks you about smoking

Smoking can slow wound healing by reducing the oxygen reaching tissues. This is also relevant when the treatment involves bone grafting.

The evaluation also considers bone, gums and oral conditions.

Smoking enters into this picture: it is not possible to derive a reliable answer from the number of cigarettes alone.

If you’re still trying to figure out when an implant is right for you, we’ve addressed that question in the article Dental Implants: When They Really Make Sense, and When They Don’t .

"Is it enough to stop for a few days?"

A short break shouldn't be considered a guarantee. NHS guidelines recommend quitting and maintaining abstention over the long term to reduce some implant-related risks. Instructions before and after your procedure should be discussed with your dentist. NHS: Smoking and Implants .

Ask for a clear plan: when to start, what support to seek, and who to contact if you're struggling to stick to it. If you've already had a relapse, share it. This helps us develop guidelines that take your actual situation into account.

And when the gum appears healed?

Treatment continues even after the initial recovery. Thorough cleaning and regular checkups remain important for the maintenance of the implant.

You can approach the appointment with a simple question: "Considering that I smoke, what should we do before making a decision?" This is a solid starting point.

For an evaluation at Studio Dalle Donne, in Via Ercole Nani 9/ba Bologna , call 051 6414622 or write to studiodalledonne@gmail.com .