Smoking
Can Harm The Long Term Effects Of Some Oral Surgery Procedures
[Submitted
by Dr. Andreas Siebold on 6 February, 2008]
Study
found people who smoke damaged the long-term stability of certain oral
surgical procedures
CHICAGO - 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.
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 can
be undone by smoking," explained Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS,
President of the American Academy of Periodontology. "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."
To find a periodontist or to find out if you are at risk for periodontal
diseases take the Academy's risk assessment test http://www.perio.org/consumer/4a.html
. A referral to a periodontist http://www.perio.org/consumer/1a.html
, additional information http://www.perio.org/consumer/stress06.htm
, and brochure samples http://www.perio.org/commerce05/brochures/pdw.htm
are available online at http://www.perio.org/
, or by calling toll-free (800) FLOSS-EM ((800) 356-7736).
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of
dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of
the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the
American Dental Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kerry Gutshall
The American Academy of Periodontology
Phone: (312) 573-3243
Fax: (312) 573-3234
http://www.perio.org
