Our Summary

This research paper is about whether quitting smoking before oral surgery helps reduce complications afterward. We know that smokers have a higher risk of complications after medical surgery, like delayed healing and a higher chance of infection. If they quit smoking before surgery, this risk can be reduced. This is why there are recommendations for people to quit smoking before non-oral medical surgeries. However, there are no such guidelines for oral surgeries like tooth extractions, gum surgeries, or dental implants. Even so, dentists and oral surgeons often suggest that their patients quit smoking before these procedures.

In this study, the researchers searched databases for studies on the effects of quitting smoking before oral surgical procedures. They started with 2255 studies and narrowed it down to 16 that seemed relevant. After reading these in full, they found that only one study had a moderate risk of bias, while three others were discarded due to a high risk of bias.

In the end, the researchers could not determine if quitting smoking before oral surgery has any impact on reducing complications after surgery. They concluded that there is a lack of knowledge on this topic and on how to effectively design strategies for people to quit smoking.

FAQs

  1. Does quitting smoking before oral surgery reduce the risk of complications?
  2. What kind of oral surgeries could potentially be impacted by quitting smoking beforehand?
  3. How many studies were considered in this research and what was their relevance?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to quit smoking before the procedure. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, such as delayed healing and higher chances of infection. Quitting smoking before oral surgery can help reduce these risks and improve the overall outcome of the procedure. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider about quitting smoking and any support or resources available to help you quit before your oral surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended oral surgery include those with:

  1. Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth that are unable to fully emerge through the gums can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. Oral surgery is often recommended to remove impacted wisdom teeth.

  2. Tooth loss: Patients who have lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or other reasons may require oral surgery for dental implants or dentures.

  3. Jaw misalignment: Patients with misaligned jaws may require oral surgery to correct the issue and improve their bite.

  4. TMJ disorders: Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and muscles. Oral surgery may be recommended in severe cases to address the issue.

  5. Gum disease: Advanced gum disease that has caused significant damage to the gums and bone supporting the teeth may require oral surgery, such as gum grafting or flap surgery.

  6. Oral cancer: Patients diagnosed with oral cancer may require oral surgery to remove tumors and reconstruct the affected area.

  7. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial trauma, such as a broken jaw or facial bones, may require oral surgery to repair the damage.

Overall, patients with a variety of oral health issues may be recommended oral surgery to address their specific needs.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  1. Patient schedules appointment with oral surgeon/dentist
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and consultation
  3. Patient is advised to quit smoking before surgery
  4. Patient may be given instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting
  5. Patient may be prescribed antibiotics or pain medication

After oral surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bleeding
  3. Patient is given post-operative instructions, such as avoiding certain foods and activities
  4. Patient may be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics
  5. Patient follows up with oral surgeon/dentist for post-operative care and evaluation

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after oral surgery involves preparation, surgery, and post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with oral surgery for smokers?
  2. Are there any specific recommendations for quitting smoking before oral surgery?
  3. How far in advance of the surgery should I quit smoking to reduce my risk of complications?
  4. What are the benefits of quitting smoking before oral surgery in terms of healing and recovery?
  5. Are there any specific resources or support programs available to help me quit smoking before my oral surgery?
  6. Will quitting smoking before oral surgery have any long-term benefits for my oral health?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be more suitable for smokers?
  8. How will my smoking history impact the success of the oral surgery procedure?
  9. Is there any research or evidence supporting the benefits of quitting smoking before oral surgery?
  10. What steps can I take to ensure a successful outcome for my oral surgery, especially as a smoker?

Reference

Authors: Olsson M, Nordendahl E, Klinge B, Ekbom A, Edlund C, Fored M, Sundström J, Naimi-Akbar A. Journal: BMC Oral Health. 2024 Feb 15;24(1):242. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-03989-1. PMID: 38360627