Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Clinical Outcomes of Periodontal Flap Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Considering the relatively homogenous information available, the authors conclude that active smokers could be candidates for periodontal flap surgical procedures. However, the magnitude of the therapeutic effect is compromised in smokers compared with non-smokers. Therefore, cigarette smokers should be: 1) encouraged to abstain from smoking; and 2) thoroughly informed preoperatively of substantial reduction in clinical outcomes compared with non-smokers.