Volumetric pulp changes after orthodontic treatment determined by cone-beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Radiology

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment can influence dental and surrounding tissues.
• Understanding three-dimensional changes in pulp cavities is crucial for assessing treatment effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate three-dimensional pulp cavity volume changes during orthodontic treatment.
• To compare pulp volume alterations between treated and untreated teeth.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-seven patients were divided into experimental (orthodontic treatment) and control groups.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before and after treatment.
• Pulp volumes of six anterior teeth were segmented and analyzed using statistical tests.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant decrease in pulp volume was observed for all anterior teeth in the experimental group.
• Significant pulp volume reductions were also noted in specific teeth (canine, lateral incisors, central incisor) within the control group.
• The overall decrease in pulp size was statistically significant following orthodontic intervention.

Conclusions:

• Orthodontic treatment leads to a significant reduction in anterior tooth pulp volume.
• CBCT imaging provides valuable data for assessing treatment-induced changes in pulp morphology.
• Further research may explore the long-term implications of these pulp volume changes.