Conventional alveoloplasty versus piezoelectricalveoloplasty- A comparative clinical prospective study

Abstract

Background Alveolar bone irregularities may be found after tooth extraction or post extraction after the site has completely healed. A rongeur bone file handpiece with bur or a mallet and osteotome are the conventionally used instruments for alveoloplasty based on the degree of bone irregularity. However if not used accurately they may cause harm. Piezoelectric bone surgery is an advanced tool based on ultrasonic microvibrations which is diligent at cutting the bone and cause minimal or no soft tissue injury. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of piezoelectric device in performing alveoloplasty versus conventional methods.Methodology A clinical prospective study was carried out in 18 patients 10 female and 8 male the mean age was 53 years. 2 patients required alveoloplasty in all 4 quadrants a total of 40 alveoloplasties were performed in 18 patients 20using conventional methods Group A and other 20 using piezoelectric device Group B. Intra-operative time ease of operation pain healing of the tissues and post-operative complications were assessed and compared statistically. The data obtained was analysed statistically using chi square test and unpaired t test. Results The mean intra-operative time in group B was significantly less than group A. The ease of operation was significantly higher in group B plt0.05. Healing was better in group B compared to group A clinically but statistically insignificant. Visual analog scale was used to assess pain and was significant plt0.05 on all three post-operative visits 3rd 7th and 1-month post-op. Conclusion Piezoelectric device showed better results when used for performing alveoloplasty compared to the conventional methods in terms of reducing the intra-op time increasing the ease of operation significantly less pain and good healing of tissues.