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Evaluation of pulp cavity/chamber changes after tooth-borne and bone-borne rapid maxillary expansions: a CBCT study
Antonino Lo Giudice1, Rosalia Leonardi2, Vincenzo Ronsivalle2
1Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, Section of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy. nino.logiudice@gmail.com.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|August 30, 2020
Summary
Tooth-borne maxillary expansion significantly reduced pulp chamber volume more than bone-borne expansion in adolescents. This tooth-borne expander also caused greater shape changes in posterior teeth pulp horns.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial development
- Dental imaging
Background:
- Maxillary expansion is a common orthodontic treatment for correcting posterior crossbite.
- Understanding the effects of different expansion methods on dental tissues is crucial for long-term outcomes.
- Adolescents undergoing rapid maxillary expansion (RME) present unique considerations due to ongoing development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare volumetric and shape changes in the pulp chamber of maxillary posterior teeth between tooth-borne and bone-borne rapid maxillary expansion in adolescents.
- To evaluate the short-term impact of two RME protocols on dental pulp morphology.
Main Methods:
- 36 adolescents with bilateral maxillary crossbite were divided into tooth-borne (TB) and bone-borne (BB) RME groups.
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired before treatment (T1) and after 6-month retention (T2).
- 3D digital technology and deviation analysis were used to assess pulp chamber volume and shape changes in maxillary first molars and premolars.
Main Results:
- Both TB and BB expansion led to a significant reduction in pulp chamber volume (p < 0.0001).
- The tooth-borne group exhibited a greater volumetric reduction compared to the bone-borne group.
- The tooth-borne group also showed a significantly lower percentage of matching between pre- and post-treatment pulp models, indicating more shape alteration, particularly in pulp horns.
Conclusions:
- Tooth-borne rapid maxillary expansion may induce a more pronounced reduction in posterior teeth pulp chamber volume compared to bone-borne expansion in the short term.
- These findings contribute novel insights into the effects of different RME protocols on dental pulp tissue in adolescents.
