Distal movement of premolars to provide posterior abutments for missing molars

In 24 patients with missing molar teeth in the upper and/or in the lower jaw, 32 premolars were distalized. The mean orthodontic distalizing distance was 9.4 mm (SD 2.6). After distalization all these teeth served as posterior abutments for fixed restorations. The investigation period ranged between 2.5 to 14.1 years, average 9.6 years (SD 3.2). The clinical examination criteria were sensitivity, mobility, probing depth, sulcus bleeding index; the radiologic criteria were root resorption (lateral and apical) marginal bone level and axial position. None of the 32 premolar abutments were lost during investigation period. All the teeth maintained their vitality. The measured probing depths and sulcus bleeding indices were low. Of the teeth tested 40.6% revealed localized lateral root resorption on the pressure side; the average postorthodontic depth of root resorption was 0.7 mm (SD 0.3), and the length 2.3 mm (SD 0.6). The follow-up examination revealed a partial repair of the lateral root lesions. The extent of apical root resorption amounted to 0.9 mm (SD 1.1). The marginal bone level showed a bone loss of 0.5 mm mesially and 0.2 mm distally. The findings confirm that the distalized premolar functioning as a posterior bridge abutment represents a prognostically favorable alternative to an implant.