The prevention of periodontal bone loss at the osteotomy site after anterior segmental and dento-osseous osteotomy.

PURPOSE Degeneration of the gingival margin and periodontal bone loss between segments can occur in various segmental osteotomies. However, treatment and management of these problems have not yet been resolved; improvement of the conventional method is necessary. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the usefulness and advantage of orthodontic devices in osteotomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty Japanese adults presented with jaw deformities diagnosed as mandibular prognathism with maxillary protrusion, bimaxillary protrusion, and anterior crowding. Of these 40 patients, 20 (group 1) underwent anterior segmental osteotomy or dento-osseous osteotomy along with our original orthodontic periodontal management. The remaining 20 (group 2) patients underwent conventional procedures. After surgery, pocket depth and periodontal bone loss at the osteotomy site were evaluated. RESULTS In all cases of patients who underwent our original technique, degeneration of the gingival marginal and periodontal defects at the osteotomy site were not found. The rate of alveolar bone height in group 1 significantly increased and that in group 2 significantly decreased after maxillary osteotomy (P < .05). CONCLUSION This technique may prevent periodontal defects from occurring at the interdental osteotomy site.