A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that two years after surgery to help soft tissue reattach to the teeth, gum recession was greater in smokers than non-smokers...

Smoking Can Harm the Long-Term Effects of Some Oral Surgery Procedures

Study found people who smoke damaged the long-term stability of the procedures

CHICAGO–September 18, 2007–A study in the September issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) found that smokers had less desirable long-term results following periodontal plastic surgery than non-smokers. The study followed 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers for two years to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoke on the long-term outcomes of a treatment to help soft tissue reattach to the root surface of the teeth. After two years, residual gum recession around the area which received the surgery was greater in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Study Abstract*

Studies have shown that smoking can impair the body’s ability to heal itself immediately after surgery; but, this most recent study also showed that when a patient has periodontal plastic surgery, smoking can damage the ability of that procedure to stay intact over a long period of time.

“People who smoke and have had some sort of periodontal plastic surgery should be aware of the negative side effects of smoking. It can be costly to have to repeat a surgery because the desirable outcomes might have been undone by smoking,” explained Dr. Preston D. Miller, DDS, and AAP president. “Therefore, it is important patients and doctors agree to a smoking cessation program prior to any periodontal surgery. This will help a patient’s chance of achieving optimal results.”

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study Coronally Positioned Flap for Root Coverage in Smokers and Non-Smokers: Stability of outcomes between 6 months and 2 years. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is is an 8,000-member professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

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