Impact of piezocision-assisted orthodontics on root resorption and alveolar bone: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of orthodontic treatment combined with piezocision (OT-PC) on root structure and alveolar bone.

Materials and methods: Twelve adults were treated with OT-PC. Pre- and post-treatment CBCT examinations evaluated apical root resorption (ARR) and alveolar bone height and thickness changes. Pre- and post-treatment differences were compared using one-sample t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: ARRs were generalized and significantly more severe in both anterior sextants compared with posterior sextants. Bone thickness decreased significantly in the maxilla at mid-root and apex areas. The majority of mandibular alveolar bone dehiscences occurred on the buccal aspect at the mid-root level, especially where thickness was less than 0.3 mm. Overall bone height decreased twice as much on the buccal aspect (1.43 mm, P < 0.001) compared with the lingual aspect (0.67 mm, P = 0.001), most significantly in the lower incisors, where the average median loss was 2.10 mm (P = 0.003).

Conclusion: OT-PC causes minor negative effects on both alveolar bone and root resorption.

Clinical relevance: Orthodontic treatment combined with piezocision causes minor negative effects on periodontal support. Nevertheless, mild bone height loss on the buccal aspect of the mandibular teeth and root resorption in both anterior sextants have been detected with this new treatment.

Keywords: Accelerated orthodontics; Alveolar bone; Apical root resorption; CBCT; Orthodontic tooth movement; Piezocision.