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Smoking and smokeless tobacco products is the number one risk factor for periodontal disease and can slow the healing process after oral surgery, said Philadelphia PA periodontist Dr. David Digiallorenzo.

"Your oral health is a window into your overall health," Digiallorenzo said. "Smokers tend to have poor health, with lots of chronic diseases looming."

He and other Philadelphia PA periodontists routinely counsel smokers on the importance of giving up the habit for good. Here are some reasons why:

Oral Surgery Effects

A study that followed smokers and non-smokers for two years after undergoing oral surgery to reattach gum tissue to the root surfaces of teeth found that the group of smokers experienced more gum recession around the surgery site than the non-smokers, according to the Journal of Periodontology (http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2007.070068).

Smokers also are more likely to get an infection after surgery and it may take longer for them to heal after surgery, compared to non-

smokers, according to an American Academy of Periodontology published in February 2007 ( http://www.perio.org/consumer/implant- failure.htm).

The success rate of dental implants is reduced by about 10 percent among smokers.

"People typically don't look forward to oral surgery to begin with," Digiallorenzo said. "So for smokers who already may be apprehensive about oral surgery, it's important for them to know that continuing to use tobacco products could mean that the surgery will have to be repeated down the road."

The Periodontal Connection

Consider this: using tobacco products can cause the periodontal disease that necessitates surgery in the first place, and it can mask the primary symptom associated with the disease- bleeding gums.

Nicotine usage causes tiny blood vessels to constrict, which adversely affects the amount of nutrients and oxygen that are delivered to gum tissue and prevents the tissue from bleeding.

"Most chronic smokers will develop gum disease and will never know it until it's too late," Digiallorenzo said.

Smokers are four times more likely than non-smokers to have periodontal disease because they tend to have more of the harmful bacteria that cause the disease in their mouths, he said.

Smokers who get periodontal disease also tend to have more serious and frequent cases of the disease than non-smokers, according to the Journal of Periodontology (http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.1999.70.10.1166).

The Silver Lining

There is some good news for smokers, Digiallorenzo said. For those who quit smoking, the positive affects are almost immediate.

"Once you eliminate the source that hinders the healing process, your body begins to recover quicker," he said. "Many people understand that quitting smoking has health benefits when it comes to cancer and heart health, but it also can help ensure that people are able to keep their teeth for a lifetime."

Read the full article titled" Philadelphia, PA Dental Implants Specialist Offers Reasons to Kick Butt".

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about the ill effects of smoking, you would like more information on periodontal disease or dental implants, or you wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Digiallorenzo, please call (610) 409-6064 in Collegeville; (570) 322-4741 in Williamsport; or visit his Web site: http://www.perioimplants.us/.

About Dr. David Digiallorenzo

Dr. David Digiallorenzo, or "Dr. D," graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed a specialty in periodontics and dental implantology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

He is a past associate clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Periodontics. He teaches nationally and internationally and is a regular contributor to dental literature.

Dr. D's private practice in suburban Philadelphia concentrates on periodontics, dental implantology, advanced reconstructive case management and TMJ treatment. It is a unique dental spa with two full-time massage therapists that specialize in reflexology, reiki, massage, aromatherapy and homeopathy. This combination creates a relaxed, optimal healing response. Dr. D has two office locations: 184 W. Main St., Ste. 200, in Collegeville, PA; and 121 E. Fourth St. in Williamsport, PA.

© 2009 Sinai Google Marketing and Dr. David Digiallorenzo. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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