LAUSR

OBJECTIVES To investigate the association of cumulative smoking exposure and span since smoking cessation with the occurrence of peri-implantitis. METHODS A sample of 350 individuals aged ≥ 35 years, with the presence of at least one osseointegrated implant functioning for > 5 years, were enrolled in the study. According to smoking habits, participants were categorized into 3 groups: non-smokers (NS; n = 212), former smokers (FC; n = 66), and current smokers (CS; n = 72). Complete peri-implant and periodontal examinations were evaluated. Associations between the occurrence of peri-implantitis and smoking habits, as well as potential confounders, were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS The occurrence of peri-implantitis in the NS, FS, and CS groups was 18.2%, 19.7%, and 30.5%, respectively. A high prevalence of the overall number of cases with periodontitis (54.2%) was observed in the CS group when compared to the FS and NS groups. After adjusting for confounders, the odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of peri-implantitis was 2.63 (1.39-6.77; p < 0.001) for CS compared to NS. There was a significant dose-response relationship between pack/year of smoking and the occurrence of peri-implantitis, as well as a significant decrease in the risk as the years of smoking cessation increased. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of peri-implantitis among CS was high. The cumulative smoking exposure in an incremental manner and the shorter smoking cessation span was directly associated with a higher risk for peri-implantitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Educational and preventive strategies in general health services must attempt to reduce the adverse effects of cumulative smoking exposure and to explore the beneficial effects of smoking cessation on peri-implant status.