Evaluation of root repair using an environmental scanning electron microscope after intentional contact with microscrew

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of root repair that took place at varying intervals of 1 day, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intentional contact with microscrews. The results were evaluated by an environmental scanning electron microscope study (E-SEM). Ten orthodontic patients with 2 maxillary and 2 mandibular first premolars (40 premolars) to be extracted as part of the orthodontic treatment were included in this study (age 18–25 years). The position of the roots of the 4 premolars to be extracted was clinically determined and under local anesthesia, microscrew implants were placed in such a way that they directly hit the root from the buccal aspect. Implants were removed immediately after the above-mentioned procedure was performed. On the same day, premolar of the 1st quadrant (Group I) was extracted. Premolar of the 2nd quadrant (Group II) was extracted 2 weeks later. Premolar of the 3rd quadrant (Group III) was extracted 4 weeks later and premolar of the 4th quadrant (Group IV) was extracted 8 weeks later, from the day of intentional damage. Significant changes were observed in the deposition of cementum over 8 weeks which were analyzed using ESEM under magnifications of × 50, × 200, × 500, and × 5000. The damaged root surfaces due to intentional contact with microscrews showed swift repair and healing within 8 weeks. In case, the root is damaged due to improper placement technique or wrong biomechanics which may result in the implant touching the root surface, a minimum healing period of 8–10 weeks is advocated before commencing further tooth movement.