Periodontal treatment outcomes in smokers: A narrative review

Smoking is considered as the major environmental risk factor for periodontal diseases. Smokers have a higher risk for severe periodontitis with more periodontal tissue destruction, more gingival recession, and more susceptibility for tooth loss. The aim of this narrative review is to provide up-to-date evidence on the clinical outcomes of periodontal treatment in smokers. Electronic databases were searched for studies that compare the clinical outcomes in smokers and non-smokers following non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment modalities and also during the supportive periodontal treatment. Clinical studies published before May 2021 were included in the review. Smokers have a higher risk for recurrence of periodontal disease and the response to non-surgical as well as surgical periodontal treatment is not as good as that of non-smokers. Moreover, there is a dose-response effect in the adverse effects of smoking on periodontal health. Compared to non-smokers, smoker patients with periodontitis tend to respond less favorably to non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment, and exhibit recurrence more frequently during supportive periodontal treatment. Along with the periodontal treatment, smokers may be encouraged to quit. Long follow-up and the communication between the dentist and the patient give a great opportunity for such counseling.