Wound healing disorders in smokers | Wound healing disorder

Wound healing disorders in smokers

The intake of cigarette smoke and the harmful ingredients it contains has been proven to have a negative effect on wound healing. Numerous studies have shown that smokers have a significantly delayed and worse wound healing than non-smokers. The reason for this lies in several harmful influences caused by nicotine: For a regulated, complication-free wound healing, the unrestricted functioning of certain cell rows of the body, such as the fibroblasts (cells responsible for the formation of new connective tissue) and macrophages (cells of the immune defense) is essential.

These must multiply sufficiently in the wound area and form and release the growth factors necessary for healing. The nicotine in cigarette smoke interferes with the mobility of the fibroblasts, which thus prefer to attach themselves to the edges of the wound and cause slower wound closure and increased scarring. On the other hand, the formation and release of growth factors is reduced by nicotine.

Furthermore, nicotine causes the vessels in the smoker’s body to constrict, which is particularly noticeable in the vessels of the hands and feet. In addition, smokers are generally less well supplied with oxygen in the blood than non-smokers, since the carbon monoxide absorbed with cigarette smoke occupies the binding sites for the oxygen molecules on the red blood cells. Furthermore, nicotine increases the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline, which further increase the oxygen consumption in the body. The generally reduced oxygen supply and the worsened blood circulation – especially in the end current areas on the hands and feet – therefore leads to an undersupply of oxygen and nutrients in the wound areas, so that healing can no longer proceed optimally.

Wound healing disorder in the area of the tooth

Fortunately, a wound healing disorder in the area of the tooth is relatively rare. The most common way to observe the disorder is after an operation on the dentition, such as a tooth extraction (lat. : extraction).

Normally, our body can form a stable blood clot (lat. : coagulum) within a short time and thus close the defect. Immigrating cells and small blood vessels eventually turn the wound into scar tissue.

After some time no difference to the surrounding region can be detected. In the case of a wound healing disorder, however, a stable coagulum does not form for various reasons. Destroyed tissue cannot be broken down properly and forms an excellent breeding ground for germs and bacteria.Infection and inflammation thus cause painful wound healing disorders.

Large and deep wounds in the lower jaw are particularly affected (e.g. after wisdom teeth removal). In addition to wound size, behavior and habits after the dental procedure also play a role. Smokers in particular are much more likely to suffer from a wound healing disorder in the area of the tooth.

Alcohol, acidic drinks and physical activity directly after the procedure also increase the risk. In order to prevent a wound healing disorder, those affected can take a few simple measures to heart. For example, despite the wound, careful oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush is recommended.

Simply leave out the injured area! Disinfecting mouthwashes (e.g. with chlorhexidine) also prevent the growth of bacteria. In the case of particularly large wounds or other risk factors, such as a poor immune system, your dentist will already arrange for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent a wound healing disorder.

If the described measures are unsuccessful, patients suffer from strong, throbbing pain in the operated area about 3 days after the tooth removal. Often, the pain radiates into the face (temple, eye, etc.). In severe cases, a general feeling of illness with fever, listlessness and headache can be observed.

Timely treatment is extremely important now! Your dentist will first try to get the infection under control with antibiotics. As a last option, another surgical procedure may be considered.