Method: Smokers with severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled from a smoking cessation clinic. They received non-surgical periodontal treatment and smoking cessation therapy. Periodontal maintenance was performed every 3 months. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were conducted by a calibrated examiner, blind to smoking status. Interviews based on a structured questionnaire were performed in order to collect demographic and smoking data. Smoking status was validated with the measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide. Examinations and interviews were conducted at baseline and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment.
Result: Of the 112 included subjects, 59 remained in the study after 24 months. Among these, 18 (30.5%) quit smoking and 41 continued smoking or oscillated. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions (p<0.05) in periodontal probing depth (PPD), visible plaque and bleeding on probing. Quitters presented a greater reduction in PPD than non-quitters. A significant difference between groups regarding PPD was observed after 3 (p=0.04) and 24 (p=0.04) months. Only quitters presented significant clinical attachment gain (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Smoking cessation promoted an additional benefit to periodontal status after two years of follow-up.