Effect of smoking on hard palate bone density

The bone density of hard palate is key factor for success of palatal mini-implant.Smoking is an important determinant of osteoporosis.Materials and method: Sixty males were selected with age range 20-39 years and divided intotwo groups according to smoking; smokers group (30), and nonsmokers (control) group (30).The measurements of hard palate bone density by HU (unit used to measure radiodensity of boneon CT scan) were made at 20 sites at the intersection of five anterioposterior and fourmediolateral reference lines using Philips, Brilliancetm, 64-multislice computed tomographyscanner software.Results: The results that were obtained showed that there was a statistically significantdifference between the two groups in bone density at most areas of hard palate. The comparisonbetween the two groups in the overall cortical bone density showed a highly statisticallysignificant difference. The comparison between the two groups in the overall cancellous bonedensity showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Hard palate bone density decreased by smoking. In spite that, orthodontic miniimplantscan be safely used for smoker persons in hard palate.