The Effects of Circumferential Supracrestal Fiberotomy on the Rate of Tooth Movement in the Beagle Mandible: a Randomized Split-Mouth Study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a single circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy procedure affects the bone around teeth and accelerates tooth movements. Methods: Seven beagle dogs were fitted with orthodontic appliances to protract the mandibular third premolars. Mandibular second premolars were extracted. Using a randomized split-mouth design, the experimental side was allocated to have a fiberotomy procedure around the mandibular third premolar. The same appliance and force systems were used on both sides. Tooth movements were analyzed over eight weeks using calipers and radiographs. The volume and density of bone mesial to the third premolars were analyzed using μCT. Bone remodeling was evaluated using histologic and fluorescent sections. Results: Tooth movements were not significantly different between the control and experimental sides. There also were no statistically significant differences in volume fraction or density of the medullary bone mesial to the third premolar. Histologic evaluations showed no consistent pattern of difference in osteoclast numbers between experimental and control sides, and the fluorescent evaluations showed similar patterns of bone modeling on both sides. Histologic evaluations of the soft tissues indicated that fibers were re-attached to the root surface eight weeks after fiberotomy, but they were smaller and less organized than control fibers. Conclusions: Circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy alone does not increase the rate of tooth movements because it has little effect on bone supporting teeth.