The purpose of this study was to evaluate the losses in pulp vitalites occurring in teeth adjacent to the mobilized segment following premaxillary distraction osteogenesis. Twelve patients (4 males and 8 females) constituted the study group. Electrical pulp test was used to assess the vitality of the upper first bicuspids, canines and lateral and central incisors adjacent to the mobilized segment. Tests were quantitatively performed preoperatively, and on the 5th, 7th, 10th, 30th and 60th postoperative days. The affection and healing processes of the 24 upper central and lateral incisors examined were in parallel with each other. The affection and healing processes of the 12 canines which were vital preoperatively and included in the statistical analysis were significantly different from the other teeth when the vitality levels of the canines and small first bicuspids adjacent to the osteotomy line were assessed. However, a positive response was achieved in all the teeth on the 60th postoperative day. No sensorial loss was detected in small bicuspids which were adjacent to osteotomy line, and however, not present in the segment. In order to preserve the pulpal blood during osteotomies of the jaws, a safety margin of 5 mm is recommended between the apices of the teeth and the osteotomy line. Premaxillary distraction osteogenesis is a safe procedure regarding the pulpal changes of the teeth.
Keywords: Distraction osteogenesis, premaxilla, vitality
