Partial pulp necrosis caused by excessive orthodontic force

Article information

Restor Dent Endod. 2011;36(2):149-153

Publication date (electronic) : 2011 March 31

doi : https://doi.org/10.5395/JKACD.2011.36.2.149

Min-Young Kim, DDS , Seung-Jong Lee, DDS, PhD , Il-Young Jung, DDS, PhD , Euiseong Kim, DDS, PhD

Department of Conservative Dentistry, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Microscope Center, Seoul, Korea.

Correspondence to Euiseong Kim, DDS, MSD, PhD. Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea 120-752. TEL,+82-2-2228-8701; FAX,+82-2-313-7575; andyendo@yuhs.ac

Received 2011 January 03; Revised 2011 January 10; Accepted 2011 January 10.

Abstract

As the dental pulp is encased with a rigid, noncompliant shell, changes in pulpal blood flow or vascular tissue pressure can have serious implication for the health of pulp. Numerous studies have demonstrated that orthodontic force application may influence both blood flow and cellular metabolism, leading degenerative and/or inflammatory responses in the dental pulp. The aim of this case report is to present a case about tooth with chronic periapical abscess which showed normal vital responses. Excessive orthodontic force is thought to be the prime cause of partial pulp necrosis. Owing to remaining vital tissue, wrong dianosis can be made, and tooth falsely diagnosed as vital may be left untreated, causing the necrotic tissue to destroy the supporting tissuses. Clinician should be able to utilize various diagnostic tools for the precise diagnosis, and be aware of the endodontic-orthodontic inter-relationship.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Endodontic-orthodontic interrelation; Orthodontic force; Pulp necrosis

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