Periodontal Response of Teeth to Orthodontic Tooth Movement- A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT

The force of orthodontic treatment, is basically categorized as controlled trauma,[1] that can damage the pulp because of the absence of collateral blood supply in the pulp tissues makes pulp as the most sensitive tissues of the whole body. The problem is not the accumulations, but there is a likelihood of conversion of the supra gingival plaque accumulations into sub gingival plaque while tipping or intrusion tooth movements that favors the change of gingivitis into periodontitis. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the periodontal response to orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted in the department for a period of 1 year. Before the start of treatment, clinical attachment and probing depth was measured. These parameters were also measured after active tooth movement and tooth retention. Difference in clinical attachment was noted before and at the end of the treatment. All the data was arranged in a tabulated form and analyzed using SPSS software. The data was expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 28.75+/-3.64 years. There were 66.7% (n=20) males and 33.3% (n=10) females. The baseline probing depth amongst control teeth was 4.4+/-0.5 and after tooth movement was 3.7+/-0.5 and after retention was 3.6+/-0.05. The mean difference in clinical attachment loss after tooth movement on mesial and distal side was -0.5+/-1.7 and - 0.6+/-0.9 respectively. The mean difference in clinical attachment loss after tooth retention on mesial and distal side was -0.7+/-1.4 and -0.8+/-1.1 respectively. Conclusion: Orthodontic movement of teeth may be detrimental for the periodontal health when realignment of the teeth have been considered.