The effect of piezocision in canine distalization: A prospective split-mouth study

Abstract

: This study evaluated the duration for distalization of canine and the amount of root resorption with and without piezocision. : The study sample consisted of 15 adult patients in a prospective split-mouth study design, requiring therapeutic extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolar and bilateral canine distalization. The subjects were evaluated for the time taken for the maxillary canine to achieve a positive contact with the maxillary second premolars bilaterally. Intervention in form of piezocision was carried out on one side of the maxillary arch using piezotome vis-a viz the control side. The study further uses pre & post CBCT records to evaluate the amount of blunting of the maxillary canine root apexes bilaterally when distalization was completed. : Duration of canine retraction in the piezocision group was 4.66 ± 0.52 months which is comparatively faster than that of the control group which took almost 5.72 ± 0.65 months. : The study concluded that the use of piezocision in cases of individual maxillary canine retraction results in a shorter duration of maxillary canine distalization and overall treatment time, with no significant difference in root resorption with or without piezocision.