Periodontal changes after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME)

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the health status of the periodontal tissue after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME).

METHODS: Periodontal status was assessed after an average of 25 months (range, 6-66) in 61 patients who underwent SARME by plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and probing attachment level. In the maxilla, six measurements were made at the central incisor, second premolar, and first molar. Corresponding measurements were made in the mandible as control. The measurements were estimated and expressed with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Additionally, maxillary occlusal radiographs of the maxillary central incisors were evaluated for signs of root resorption.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between experimental and control teeth with respect to plaque index, probing depth, or attachment level. The gingival index of the maxillary central incisor was significantly higher compared to control (CI 0.175 (0.09-0.26), p value p < 0.001). External apical root resorption of the anterior maxillary teeth was observed in 36 % of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of a retrospective study, the present study seems to demonstrate that SARME does not affect the health status of the periodontal tissues. However, further randomized long-term studies are needed before final conclusions can be provided.