A clinical study of the pulp vitality after orthognathic surger: preliminary study

ABSTRACT

orthognathic surgery, postoperative complications are studied by many clinician. The complications include sensory disturbance, jaw fracture, excessive bleeding, condylar positional changes and loss of pulp vitality. Few surgical procedures are as satisfying for the surgeon and patient as a well-done orthognathic surgery. On the other hand, the patient is more satisfied with the result than who are treated with only orthodontic treatment especially in severe deformity case. There are problems that patient overcome but it is not serious complications. One of these, the problem about loss of pulp vitality can't influence function but give a lot of discomfort to the patient. From September 1997 to January 1998, 7 patients who are treated for dentofacial deformity via Le Fort I osteotomy or anterior segmental osteotomy were examined pulp sensitivity using digital pulp tester. This preliminary study have a focus on the investigation of recovery of pulp vitality. The electric pulpal test were used at preoperative, postoperative, at intervals . And we report some results acquired from this study. Follwing result are obtained 1. In anterior segmental ostetomy case (1 case), total 12 teeth were examined. Postoperative 8 weeks, 1 tooth are positive reaction. 2. In Le Fort I osteotomy case (6 case), total 71 teeth were examined. Postoperative 8 weeks, 5 teeth are positive reaction.