Assessment of Piezoelectric Periodontal Surgery Effects on Orthodontic Treatment: a Prospective Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION: Dentoalveolar surgeries such as piezocision, have been developed with the aim to accelerate the tooth movement and therefore reduce the length of orthodontic treatment. Although this surgical technique seems to present several advantages, such as decreased risk of decalcification or orthodontic relapse, its use as a routine practice is not yet recommended. The main purpose of this study is to determine the duration of orthodontic treatment by using the piezocision. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the effect of this surgical technique on bone density, root resorption, osteoclast activity, inflammatory events and pain assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigators will conduct a prospective study. The experimental group will consist of 14 adults, subjects from 18 to 40 years-old (10 women, 4 men). The control group will consist of 30 matched patients, who have been already treated in the orthodontic clinic of the University of Montreal. The reliabilities of Intra and Inter assesors will be measured for each doctor. After completion of the surgical guides from CBCT, the Piezocision will be performed the same day of the bracket indirect placement. The surgical procedure will be standardized and did it by the same surgeon. The appointments will be every 2 weeks for 4 months, then every month. The investigators will make an assessment of pain by using a numerical visual scale, during the first 7 days after surgery. Analysis of inflammatory markers (IL-1) and osteoclast activity (RANKL, OPG) will be evaluated from the gingival sulcus fluid collected at day 0, 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 16 and 24 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the overall quality evaluation of treatment using the "American Board of Orthodontics' grading system" would be realized by two blind external observers to limit bias.