Lack of pulp sensitivity in maxillary canines submitted to orthodontic traction: a retrospective clinical study

ABSTRACT

Introduction : Orthodontic movement may cause a great number of tissue alterations in the dental pulp. However, these changes may not be entirely recognized owing to the difficulty in simulating clinical situations. Objective : The aim of this study was to clinically assess the incidence of negative pulp sensitivity to cold among maxillary canines in infraocclusion submitted to orthodontic traction. Material and methods: Two study groups were selected: an experimental group, comprising 32 canine teeth with complete root formation that had been submitted to orthodontic traction, and a control group, comprising 32 canine teeth with complete root formation that had never been submitted to any orthodontic movement. Results: Fourteen teeth from the experimental group showed lack of pulp sensitivity, whereas only one tooth from the control group showed negative pulp sensitivity. Fischer's exact test revealed a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the teeth that had been submitted to orthodontic traction were more likely to lack sensitivity than those that had not been submitted to the same procedure.