Effect of periodic tooth displacement on healing of experimental furcation defects in dogs

This study compared the healing response, following reconstructive surgery, between teeth subjected to periodic displacement and teeth which were splinted during the postoperative healing period. Through-and-through furcation defects were created in the mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars of 6 beagle dogs. Bone was surgically removed from the furcation and around each root to 3 different levels: 3, 6, and 9 mm. Reconstructive surgery included demineralization of the root surface and coronally positioned flaps. During the postoperative healing period, the premolars on one side were subjected to periodic mesio-distal displacement by orthodontic elastics attached to splints. Corresponding teeth on the contralateral side were splinted to serve as non-mobile controls. The results demonstrated that reattachment occurred in 12 of 14 displaced teeth and in 14 of 16 splinted teeth. There was no difference in the amount of interradicular bone fill or frequency of ankylosis between displaced and splinted teeth. Our findings indicate that the healing response was not affected by tooth displacement in this dog furcation model.