The effect of smoking on early implant failure

This retrospective study describes the effect of smoking on initial fixture failure before functional loading with fixed prosthetic restorations. Of 208 installed Brånemark fixtures in the mandible, only 1 failed (0.5%), and no detrimental effect of smoking on fixture survival could be detected. In the maxilla, 10/244 fixtures failed (4%); 7/78 fixtures failed in smokers and 3/166 in nonsmokers. The failure rate before loading was 9% in smokers versus 1% in nonsmokers and was statistically significant, despite the fact that bone quality in both groups was comparable. Failed fixtures occurred in 31% of the smokers, despite often excellent bone quality, long fixture length or good initial stability. Only 4% of the nonsmokers had failures, in most cases related to poor bone quality. It is concluded that smoking is a significant although not the only important factor in the failure of implants prior to functional loading. Prospective studies are needed to assess the risk of implant failure in conjunction with smoking. In the mean time, patients should be informed of the adverse effect of smoking.