The Influence of Smoking in Periodontitis Patients, Before and After Nonsurgical Treatment

Overview

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the oral neutrophil numbers (ONN) in saliva, the level of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the periodontal parameters in smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis, before and after nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT). Materials and method: 40 periodontitis patients including 20 smokers and 20 non-smokers were enrolled in this study. All patients were received the NSPT included instructing oral hygiene, scaling and root planning. Clinical parameters (plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL)), ONN and GCF MMP-8 level were assessed before (baseline) and after NSPT 1 month and 3 months.

After periodontal examination and medical history evaluation, all patients received oral hygiene instructions. The modified-Bass tooth brushing technique, as well as the use of dental floss and interproximal brushes (if needed) were showed to the patients. They were educated to brush their teeth at least twice a day. All patients were given a dentifrice and toothbrush. Patient motivation to quit smoking was also provided. At the first visit, supragingival scaling with ultrasonic scalers (Cavitron Jet Plus (Densply Sirona, Mississauga, Canada) were provided to all patients. Occlusion adjustments were also performed in the case of indications. After one week, the baseline (T0) parameters were recorded. The following samples were collected: (1) saliva, (2) gingival cervical fluid (GCF), and (3) clinical periodontal parameters. A doctor who collected the samples was blinded about the smoking status. Subsequently, scaling and root planning (SRP) by ultrasonic scalers (Cavitron Jet Plus (Densply Sirona, Mississauga, Canada) and Gracey curettes (Hu-Friedy, Chicago, USA), under local anesthesia, were performed by a periodontist, who was also blinded about the smoking status. The number of SRP visits was determined by patient disease conditions. Following the completion of NSPT, all subjects were recalled after one month and three months for re-evaluation. The collection of (1) saliva, (2) gingival cervical fluid (GCF), and (3) clinical periodontal parameters were performed. Based on the patients' periodontal status, supragingival scaling and polishing were given.