Effect of micro-osteoperforations on the moving mandibular molar into long term edentulous area

Abstract

Objective Micro-osteoperforation(MOP) is the minimally invasive method to accelerate tooth movement. The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the advantages and clinical outcomes of Micro-osteoperforation. Methods Thirteen patients (3 males, 10 females) with unilateral or bilateral mandibular first molars missing were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. In the experimental group, three MOPs with a depth of 2 mm were made in the alveolar bone of the edentulous area. Other operations were the same as the control group. Both groups were treated with 28-day interval regimen. At each appointment, three MOPs were applied to the experimental group. The rate of molar movement was measured after 24 weeks. Pretreatment and posttreatment CBCTs were collected to observe the length of the second molar and the alveolar bone changes. Results By using the MOP method, the second molar mesialization speed can be increased by 0.27 mm per month, at a 31-percentage level. CBCT data show no significant root resorption and alveolar bone loss after treatment in both groups. Conclusions MOP can effectively accelerate tooth movement. The acceleration effects can be sustained if repetitive MOP is applied. No side effects, such as root resorption and alveolar bone loss are found. Key words: Accelerated tooth movement; Missing first molar; Micro-osteoperforation; Regional acceleration phenomenon