Does e-cigarette use affect response to non-surgical periodontal therapy?

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Oral Health
• Vaping Research

Background:

• Periodontitis affects a significant portion of the adult population.
• Smoking is a known risk factor for poor periodontal treatment outcomes.
• The impact of e-cigarette use on periodontal health is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical response to periodontal therapy in e-cigarette users versus non-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers.
• To evaluate the 'need for surgery' as a primary outcome measure for periodontal treatment response.
• To assess secondary periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed, analyzing patient charts from Guy's Dental Hospital (n=220).
• Inclusion criteria focused on adults diagnosed with periodontitis receiving professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR).
• Periodontal indices were assessed before and 6-20 weeks after PMPR to evaluate treatment response.

Main Results:

• E-cigarette users and current smokers demonstrated similar, poorer clinical responses to periodontal therapy.
• E-cigarette users exhibited a higher 'need for surgery' compared to other groups.
• Optimal pocket closure (PD ≤ 4mm with no bleeding) was highest in non-smokers (77.1%) and lowest in e-cigarette users (66.6%).

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette use is associated with a less favorable response to periodontal therapy.
• Non-smokers achieved the best overall outcomes following periodontal treatment.
• Findings suggest that vaping may negatively impact periodontal treatment efficacy.