The effect of smoking on achieving osseointegration of surface-modified implants: a clinical report

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the effect of smoking on achieving initial osseointegration when surface-modified dental implants were used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During an 18-month period in a private practice setting 1,183 implants were placed in 461 patients. The group of smokers consisted of patients who smoked a half pack or more of cigarettes per day. RESULTS: The overall success rate for smokers and non-smokers in achieving osseointegration was 98.1%. Ninety-seven percent of the implants placed in smokers osseointegrated successfully, and 98.4% of implants placed in non-smokers osseointegrated successfully (P < .05). DISCUSSION: The surface of an implant may be a critical determinant for achieving osseointegration in patients who smoke. CONCLUSION: It appears from this short-term retrospective study that smoking does not play a significant role in achieving the osseointegration of surface-modified dental implants.