Periodontal changes following distraction osteogenesis in patients with cleft lip and palate: a clinical trial

To evaluate inflammatory mediator levels and periodontal changes following distraction osteogenesis (DO) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) using mid-maxillary distraction (MMD).

A total of 20 healthy patients with CLP with Class III malocclusion were included. Segmental forward advancement of the anterior maxilla from the second premolars on both sides using DO was performed. A custom-made, tooth-borne distractor connecting buccal molar segments to the anterior maxilla was used for 7 days with 0.5-mm distraction for the first 2 days and then increased to 1 mm daily until overcorrection. Crevicular interleukin IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α levels were measured during distraction. Periodontal clinical parameters and indices were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Soft tissue healing was evaluated histologically at 2 and 4 weeks after distraction.

The periodontal parameters remained stable during the follow-up periods. Insignificant increases in the level of inflammatory cytokines compared with the control were observed. Histological findings revealed mild inflammatory and structural changes in the gingiva immediately after distraction, whereas regeneration was noticed after 4 weeks.

MMD was an effective technique in treating patients with CLP, leading to new bone and soft tissue formation without significant detrimental effect on the periodontium of the adjacent teeth.