Stability in dental changes in RME and SARME: a 2-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) on dentoalveolar structures following orthodontic treatment, as well as stability at 2-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of subjects were used in the study. Group 1 consisted of 14 subjects (mean age, 12.7 +/- 1.4 years) who were treated with RME, and Group 2 consisted of 13 subjects (mean age, 18.5 +/- 2.3 years) who were treated with SARME. In both groups, all cases had a maxillary width deficiency with bilateral crossbites. Maxillary dental casts were available at three different intervals: pretreatment (T1), after orthodontic treatment (T2), and at follow-up recall (T3). Intermolar and interpremolar width, palatal height, and maxillary arch depth and length were assessed from maxillary dental casts. RESULTS: Treatment by RME and SARME produced significant increases in intermolar and interpremolar width and maxillary arch length after expansion (T2) (P < .05). The amount of relapse was not significantly different 2 years after treatment (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although age ranges of the patient groups are different, the dentoalveolar responses of RME and SARME were similar after orthodontic treatment.

Mesial migration effect on root morphology of mandibular third molars.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between forward mandibular third molar migration and root curvature of the mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is comprised of 64 patients who had a history of unilateral mandibular first molar extraction before 16 years of age with no other missing teeth or prosthetic restorations in the mandible. The extraction space was fully or partly closed. The mean remaining space was 1.1 +/- 0.41 mm. The root angles for the mesial and distal roots of the mandibular third molars were measured on the panoramic radiographs by calculating the differences between the angle formed by the long axis drawn perpendicular to the occlusal plane of the crown of mandibular third molar and the central line of the lower one ninth of the root through the root apex. The differences between the extracted and nonextracted sides for mesial and distal roots were analyzed using a paired sample t-test. RESULTS: Both mesial and distal roots were approximately 8 degrees more vertical on the extraction sides than on the nonextraction sides. The differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Mesial tooth migration of mandibular third molars reduces the amount of root curvature developing on this tooth.

Wound healing effects of arnebia densiflora root extracts on rat palatal mucosa.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate wound healing effects of Arnebia densiflora (Nordm.) Ledeb. root extracts on rat palatal mucosa. METHODS: A 10-mm full-thickness mucosal wounds were created on midline of rats' palate by using scalpel. In the experimental groups, a ten percent extract of A. densiflora roots was topically applied once a day as ointment on the wounds. After wounding, tissue samples from palatal mucosa were harvested at 4, 7, 14 and 21 days and then evaluated histologically. RESULTS: It was observed that 10% A. densiflora root extract has progressive effects on wound healing in experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that A. densiflora root extract could be developed as a therapeutic agent for wound healing.

Changes in mandibular third molar angle and position after unilateral mandibular first molar extraction.

INTRODUCTION: Third molars often become impacted because of lack of space for their eruption. Because the third molars play an important role occlusally, premolars or second molars are sometimes extracted to create space. First molars are seldom extracted to create space, but they are occasionally extracted for other reasons, especially caries. The aim of this study was to investigate the spontaneous angular and positional changes in mandibular third molars when mandibular first molars are extracted. METHODS: The sample consisted of panoramic radiographs of 107 patients (age, 18-40 years; mean, 25.69 years) who had unilateral mandibular first-molar extractions (because of caries) before age 16. Ramus relationship, impaction depth, and angulation of third molars on the extraction and nonextraction sides were assessed. A chi-square test was performed to compare the differences. RESULTS: The prevalence of third molars at the anterior border of the mandibular ramus was significantly greater on the extraction side than on the nonextraction side (P < .001). Third molars were positioned more occlusally in the mandible on the nonextraction side than on the extraction side (P < .001). The prevalence of vertically angulated third molars was greater on the extraction side than on the nonextraction side (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular first-molar extraction increases the space for mandibular third-molar eruption and helps the third molars move into better positions. But early extraction can lead to uncontrolled tipping of adjacent teeth into the extraction space. Only third-molar angle and position were evaluated in this study; problems such as dental asymmetry, premature contacts, and uncontrolled tipping should be assessed in the future.