Pulpal and apical changes secondary to segmental osteotomy in the mandible--an experimental study

Posterior segmental osteotomies were performed on 7 dogs to investigate postoperative changes in the pulpal and periodontal tissue. Osteotomy cuts were made at various distances from the apices of roots. After 3 to 6 months, results were evaluated clinically, radiographically and histopathologically. Clinical and radiographic healing of the osteotomy sites was uneventful. Histological evaluation revealed that when the osteotomy cuts were made at a safe distance (3-5 mm) from the apices of roots, neither important pulpal degeneration nor loss of teeth occurred. Even two of the teeth whose apices were cut off had completely healthy pulpal and periapical tissues. The periodontium in almost all of the cases was also found to be healthy.