The effects of orthodontic force application upon the tissues of the human dental pulp

Hall, Emily (2013). The effects of orthodontic force application upon the tissues of the human dental pulp. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

Aims: To investigate the effects of orthodontic force application on pulpal tissues. Materials and methods: Sixteen patients were scheduled for bilateral upper premolar removal followed by fixed appliance treatment. Each had a sectional fixed appliance placed in order to extrude one premolar only for a period of 14 days. The contralateral premolar was used as a control. After 14 days both premolars were extracted and processed for MMA or paraffin embedding, and sectioning. The pulpal morphology of both control and test tissues were examined under a light microscope, and fibroblast numbers, together with blood vessel number and area, analysed on serial sections. Immunohistochemical staining for Von Willebrand’s factor and CD31 was undertaken to assess angiogenesis. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in fibroblast numbers, blood vessel number or angiogenic activity and no morphological differences were observed between the control and test tissues after the 14-day period. However the overall blood vessel area was greater (p<0.05) in the test tissues. Conclusions: A 2-week application of 50g extrusive force leads to significant blood vessel dilation, but does not give rise to any significant changes in overall pulpal morphology, fibroblast number, blood vessel number, or angiogenesis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

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