Histological periodontal tissue reaction to rapid tooth movement by periodontal distraction in dogs

Chang, Young Il; Kim, Tae Woo; Choi, Hee Young

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes that occurred over time in the distracted periodontal ligament space following the rapid retraction of a tooth by periodontal distraction after bone undermining surgery had been conducted in the dogs. The upper second premolars were extracted on the left and right side in 4 male beagle dogs. Immediately after extraction, the interseptal bone distal to the upper first premolar was thinned and undermined by grooving to decrease the bone resistance. Activating an individualized distraction appliance at the rate of 0.225 mm twice a day, the upper first premolar was retracted rapidly toward the extraction socket. Periodontal distractions were performed for 5, 10, and 20 days, and 20-day-distraction cases were followed by maintenance periods of 0, 14, 28, and 56 days. After 20 days of rapid retraction, the average distal movement of the upper first premolar was 5.02 mm, and the average mesial movement of the upper third premolars serving as an anchorage unit was 0.58 mm. On histological examination, the regeneration of bone occurred in a highly organized pattern. Distracted periodontal ligament space was filled with newly formed bone oriented in the direction of the distraction, and this was followed by extensive bone remodeling. This result was similar to those observed in other bones after distraction osteogenesis. In the periodontal ligament, the relationship between collagen fibers and cementum began to be restored 2 weeks after the distraction was completed, and showed almost normal features 8 weeks after the completion of the periodontal distraction. However, on the alveolar side, the new bone formation was still in process and collagen fiber bundles and Sharpey's fibers were not present 8 weeks after the completion of the periodontal distraction. Reactions in the periodontal ligament of the anchorage tooth represented bone resorption on the compressed side and new bone deposition on the tension side as occurred in conventional orthodontic tooth movement. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that periodontal structures on the distracted side of the periodontal ligament were regenerated well histologically following rapid tooth movement.