My gums are weakened from long-term smoking. Can I still get implants?

Even after years of smoking, implants are usually still possible after evaluating the condition of your gums and alveolar bone. That said, smoking impairs blood circulation, which slows osseointegration and increases the risk of peri-implantitis, so we generally recommend quitting for 1 to 2 weeks before surgery and at least 2 to 8 weeks afterward (ideally throughout the entire osseointegration period). However, if you already have significant gum inflammation, you may need gum treatment first before scheduling placement, so we recommend starting with an examination.