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Human Dental Pulp Tissue during Orthodontic Tooth Movement: An Immunofluorescence Study
Giovanna Vermiglio1, Antonio Centofanti1, Giovanni Matarese1
1Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|January 20, 2021
Summary
Orthodontic tooth movement involves temporary protein changes in dental pulp. These changes in fibronectin, collagen I, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are reversible within 30 days, ensuring pulp safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthodontics
- Dental Research
Background:
- Orthodontic tooth movement is a complex biological process involving dental pulp adaptation.
- Understanding pulp tissue response to controlled forces is crucial for treatment safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vivo protein expression changes in human dental pulp during orthodontic tooth movement.
- To evaluate the impact of pre-calibrated light force application on dental pulp integrity over 30 days.
Main Methods:
- Human dental pulp samples were collected from control and treated groups (7 and 30 days).
- Immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in fibronectin, collagen I, and VEGF expression were observed after 7 days of orthodontic treatment.
- Protein expression patterns returned to baseline levels by day 30, indicating reversible changes.
Conclusions:
- The application of pre-calibrated light forces for orthodontic tooth movement induces temporary, non-irreversible changes in dental pulp.
- These findings support the safety and efficacy of controlled force application in clinical orthodontics.
