Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of periodontal and bone support loss in extraction cases

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate, in particular, whether bone resorption occurred at the extraction sites of a group of patients under orthodontic treatment, and, in general, whether extraction treatment predisposes patients to a greater degree of root resorption. METHODS The study group comprised 12 class II division 1 malocclusion patients who underwent orthodontic treatment and extraction, and the control group comprised 10 class II division 1 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment without extraction. In both groups, treatments were carried out by the same operator using the same techniques. Cone-beam computed tomography performed before (T1) and after (T2) treatment was used to determine and compare the root length, the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the defect and to the bone peak, the width of the defect and the buccolingual bone thickness. RESULTS Root length was reduced following treatment in both groups, although to a statistically significantly greater extent in the study group. The buccolingual bone thickness was reduced after treatment in both groups, with no differences found between the study and control groups. The bone loss at the sites assessed was greater in the patients after extraction treatment, with a statistically significant difference revealed between the two groups. The site that showed the greatest variation in both groups was distal to the upper canines. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, extractive orthodontic treatment appeared to predispose patients to a greater degree of root resorption. Indeed, the bone at the extraction site showed greater resorption in the study group with respect to the control group, and the appearance of intraosseous defects was noted in the former.