Effect of Smoking on the Periodontal Microsurgery Technique on the Treatment of Gingival Recession

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of smoking on periodontal microsurgery technique using the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for treatment of gingival recession on smokers. 14 patients nonsmokers and 12 smokers were selected, presenting Miller’s Class I and II gingival recession ≥ 2.0 mm. For both groups, the subepithelial connective tissue graft was used with the aid of a surgical microscope. The clinical parameters of width and height of the gingival recession, height and thickness of keratinized tissue, probing depth and clinical attachment level were evaluated before and six months after surgery. At the end of the study, there were obtained an average percentage of 96.66% of root coverage on nonsmokers and 82.49% on smokers (p=0.03). Complete root coverage was observed in 78,57% and 50% of patients, respectively. Therapy can benefit both groups, but smokers have less favorable outcomes to root coverage with periodontal microsurgery using the SCTG.