Does piezocision induce root resorption or periodontal problems in class II patients?: A 2‑year follow‑up study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the potential for root resorption and periodontal complications in patients with Class II malocclusion undergoing piezocision assisted orthodontic treatment over a 2 year follow up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (11 females, 9 males; mean age: 16.1 ± 2.8 years) requiring bilateral canine distalization and maxillary first premolar extraction were included in this split mouth study. One quadrant was randomly assigned to undergo piezocision, while the contralateral quadrant served as the control. Panoramic radiographs were utilized to assess root resorption at baseline (T1), and 2 years post treatment (T2). Additionally, gingival health and tooth mobility scores were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: No clinically significant root resorption was observed in either group. Mild resorption was noted on the upper canine of one patient in the piezocision group, while another patient in the control group exhibited resorption on the upper lateral incisor. Gingival health, and mobility scores decreased from T1 to T2 in both groups, with no statistically significant differences found between the piezocision and control sides. Scar formation on the attached gingiva was observed in one patient following piezocision; however, this was not associated with bone loss or increased periodontal pocket depth. CONCLUSION: Piezocision assisted orthodontic treatment did not result in clinically significant root resorption or adverse periodontal outcomes in patients with Class II malocclusion over a 2 year period. These findings support the safety of piezocision as a method for accelerating tooth movement without compromising periodontal health. Further research with larger sample sizes and histological assessments is recommended to validate these results.