How does smoking affect the risk of peri-implantitis after implant placement?

After an implant has been placed, smoking can considerably increase the risk of peri-implantitis. Nicotine and tar reduce the blood supply to the jawbone, which hinders osseointegration. Smokers are more likely to develop gum inflammation around implants, which can lead to bone loss. Reduced immune defences make it harder to fight bacterial infections effectively. If peri-implantitis occurs, the implant can become loose as the supporting bone breaks down. Stopping smoking before implant placement considerably reduces the risk of complications. Even after successful placement, the risk of inflammation remains higher if you continue to smoke. The periodontist can advise on smoking cessation programmes to improve the prognosis of your implant. Patients who smoke should be especially alert to symptoms such as bleeding and swelling around the implant. Avoiding smoking is an important step towards the lasting success of implant treatment.