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Spontaneous repositioning of pathologically migrated teeth
P E Gaumet1, M I Brunsvold, C A McMahan
1University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Periodontics, 78284-7894, USA.
Journal of Periodontology
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Pathologically migrated teeth often spontaneously reposition after periodontal treatment. This tooth movement is more significant in cases of mild to moderate migration, suggesting wound healing contributes to repositioning.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Dental Research
Background:
- Limited clinical evidence exists on spontaneous tooth repositioning post-periodontal treatment.
- Pathological migration of teeth is a common concern in periodontal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of spontaneous repositioning of pathologically migrated teeth after periodontal therapy.
- To investigate the relationship between migration severity and repositioning degree.
Main Methods:
- Study included 16 patients with 33 diastema sites due to pathological migration.
- Measurements of space between teeth were taken at baseline, 6 weeks post-scaling/root planing, and 4 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- 48.5% of sites showed repositioning after scaling and root planing; 36.4% closed completely.
- After 6 months, 69.7% of sites repositioned, with 51.5% closing completely.
- 77.8% of small to moderate diastemata (<1 mm) closed completely.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous repositioning of pathologically migrated teeth is likely after periodontal treatment.
- The degree of spontaneous repositioning is higher in cases of mild to moderate migration.
- Wound contraction during healing is hypothesized as the mechanism for spontaneous tooth movement.