Periodontal changes in supraerupted maxillary molars after orthodontic intrusion using miniscrews: A retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze periodontal changes in supraerupted maxillary molars that underwent orthodontic intrusion with miniscrews during the treatment and the postretention period. Methods: Forty supraerupted maxillary molars were treated with buccal and palatal miniscrews and power chain loading of 100 g for orthodontic intrusion. Clinical examinations and periapical radiography were performed pretreatment, posttreatment, 6 months posttreatment, and 2 years posttreatment to measure the following parameters: clinical crown length, sulcus probing depth, bone probing depth (BPD), attached gingiva width, root length, alveolar crest level, and bone support. The extent of intrusion and relapse was measured by superimposing the dental casts. Periodontal care was performed regularly during and after treatment for all patients, and the gingival indexes were maintained <1. Results: Immediately after treatment, clinical crown length decreased, and sulcus probing depth and BPD increased compared with the baseline; however, 6 months posttreatment, they returned to the baseline levels, except for palatal BPD. The attached gingiva width remained unchanged at all time points. Root length significantly decreased between pretreatment and posttreatment, but as the amount was <1 mm, it was considered clinically insignificant. Six months after the treatment, the alveolar crest level and bone support showed significant improvements compared with the baseline. All periodontal parameters showed no statistically significant differences between 6 months and 2 years posttreatment, indicating stability after 6 months posttreatment. Conclusions: Orthodontic intrusion of supraerupted maxillary molars can enhance the periodontium in the long term.