Preapplication of orthodontic forces to the donor teeth affects periodontal healing of transplanted teeth

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how the preapplication of orthodontic forces to the donor teeth affects the periodontal healing after transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The orthodontic force (1.5 cN) was applied to the maxillary right molars of 6-week-old male Spraque-Dawley rats (n = 21) in the experimental side, and the left side of the same animals was used as the control. After 7 days, both right and left maxillary second molars were extracted or replanted. Periodontal conditions were evaluated in the histological specimens 7 days after applying orthodontic force (before and after extraction) and 14 days after replantation. RESULTS: The application of orthodontic force for 7 days significantly increased the periodontal ligament (PDL) space and also the width of the alveolar socket, which resulted in a rich attached PDL to the root surface of the extracted teeth. Significantly more root resorption was also detected in the control side without preapplication of orthodontic force 14 days after replantation. This root resorption might involve in the disruption of the PDL. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the preapplication of orthodontic force to the donor teeth increased the PDL width and eased the extraction, which might decrease root resorption after replantation.