The Effect of Smoking on Postoperative Period of Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on the post-operative severity of pain, swelling and limitation of mouth opening after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted for 147 cases in two groups of patients, smokers (n=31) and non-smokers (n= 116) who undergoes surgical extractions of impacted third molars. The patients’ pre- and intra-operative findings of the study group were recorded. The patients were asked to fill out a form to record the findings of postoperative pain, swelling and mouth opening limitation for 6 days. Pain was recorded on a visual analog scale from 1 to 10 and swelling was recorded as mild, moderate and severe. The limitation of mouth opening was evaluated by the patient during the postoperative 6 days and was recorded as yes or no. One way ANOVA with f= 1;145 significance level was used as statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of the smokers was 27,75±9,15 (20-55) while non-smokers was 25,7±6,9 (20-55). No significant difference was found at the post-operative period regarding the severity of pain, swelling and mouth opening. Conclusion: Smoking did not considerably made difference in terms of postoperative symptoms followed by third molar surgery. However further studies need to be conducted with including larger sample size.