Effect of Modified Widman Flap Surgery on Maximum Molar Bite Force: A Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Periodontal surgery
• Biomechanical analysis
• Patient function assessment

Background:

• Periodontal disease necessitates surgical intervention to preserve dentition.
• Assessing patient function post-treatment is crucial for evaluating surgical outcomes.
• Maximum bite force (MBF) serves as a key indicator of oral function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of modified Widman flap (MWF) surgery on maximum bite force (MBF).
• To determine if periodontal treatment affects a patient's chewing ability and oral function.

Main Methods:

• A clinical trial involving 24 patients undergoing MWF surgery.
• MBF was measured pre-operatively and at one, four, and eight weeks post-surgery.
• Repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 0.05.

Main Results:

• Males exhibited significantly higher MBF than females.
• A significant difference in MBF was observed across the four time points (P<0.001).
• MBF showed a slight increase in males and a decrease in females over time, with no significant difference from baseline at four and eight weeks (P=0.148).

Conclusions:

• MWF surgery does not lead to a long-term decrease in MBF, providing reassurance for patients.
• The procedure is recommended for tooth preservation, a critical factor for maintaining MBF.
• Surgical outcomes regarding MBF appear more favorable in male patients, with baseline bite force typically regained by four weeks post-operation.