Effect of piezocision-assisted lower second molar protraction on periodontal tissues, alveolar bone height, and lower second molar root resorption.

Objectives: To assess the effect of piezocision on periodontal tissues and alveolar bone height and to detect lower second molar root resorption in piezocision-assisted mandibular second molar protraction compared to no-piezocision molar protraction.

Materials and methods: Twenty-one subjects (four males, 17 females, aged 22.43 ± 2.83 years) who presented with bilateral extraction of lower first molars were included. The patients were divided into two groups; Group 1: Piezocision-assisted molar protraction (right or left side of subjects) in which piezocision was performed immediately before lower second molar protraction and, Group 2: No-piezocision molar protraction in which lower second molar protraction was not surgically assisted. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), gingival recession (GR), lower second molar mesial root resorption, alveolar bone height, and mandibular bone height were recorded at T1 (immediately before molar protraction) and at T2 (after second molar space closure).

Results: In the piezocision-assisted molar protraction group, significant changes were detected in the WKG (P < .001), GR (P < .05), and the mandibular bone height (P < .001). Compared to the no-piezocision group, piezocision-assisted molar protraction resulted in an increased WKG (P < .001) and less second molar mesial root resorption (P < .01).

Conclusions: Piezocision does not have any detrimental effect on the periodontium and produces less root resorption.