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Root repair after damage due to screw insertion for orthodontic miniplate placement
Marie A Cornelis1, Michele Tepedino2, Paolo M Cattaneo3
1Associate Professor,Section of Orthodontics, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Faculty of HEALTH, Vennelyst Boulevard 9, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
Background:
The aim of this investigation was to describe the healing reactions following root damage caused by placement of a miniplate anchorage system.
Material And Methods:
In 4 beagle dogs, 4 titanium miniplates (2 self-tapping screws per miniplate) were placed in each maxilla, after drilling of pilot-holes. Six fixation screws were unintentionally inserted damaging the root of maxillary canines. Two weeks later, half of the miniplates were loaded with a coil spring. Two dogs were euthanized 7 weeks after placement of the miniplates, while the remaining two after 29 weeks. Histological sections were prepared, microradiographed, observed under U.V. light, then stained and analysed under ordinary light.
Results:
Four screws caused direct root damage; one was damaged during the drilling process; one caused damage to the periodontal ligament only. Among these 6 screws, 2 were mobile and 4 were stable at sacrifice. Limited root damage showed some repair after 29 weeks, consisting in a thick layer of mineralized cementum including anchoring periodontal fibres. Tissue repair was not related to screw stability or loading status.
Conclusions:
Limited root damage has shown potential to heal, while extensive root damage has not. Precise position of insertion of the miniplates is thus of utmost importance. Key words:Temporary anchorage devices, animal studies, root resorption.
