OBJECTIVE: The present pilot study evaluated the impact of closed flap surgical technique on periodontal tissues and the esthetic outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four consecutively treated patients with a mean age of 15 (range 12-30) underwent closed flap surgery for the exposure of impacted teeth. The study evaluated periodontal probing depths, bone level, zone of keratinized tissue, and esthetic appearance after the completion of orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: Tooth impaction was more frequent in females (No. 14) than males (No. 10) in this study. Palatal and buccal impactions were 77% and 23%, respectively. Post-orthodontic treatment, periodontal probing depth averaged 2.2 mm and zone of keratinized gingiva averaged 3.6 mm. No discernible radiographic bone loss or root resorption was noticed. Overall, gingival margins provided an esthetic appearance in all cases. CONCLUSION: Closed flap surgical technique was associated with periodontal health and esthetic outcomes for an average of 10 years post-orthodontic treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The evolution of teeth and maxillary/mandibular bones has distinctively differed in origins and development contributing to tooth impaction and overcrowding. This study demonstrated that closed flap surgery is a reliable procedure for the treatment of impacted teeth that provides periodontal health and esthetic appearance post-orthodontic treatment.
OBJECTIVE: The present pilot study evaluated the impact of closed flap surgical technique on periodontal tissues and the esthetic outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four consecutively treated patients with a mean age of 15 (range 12-30) underwent closed flap surgery for the exposure of impacted teeth. The study evaluated periodontal probing depths, bone level, zone of keratinized tissue, and esthetic appearance after the completion of orthodontic treatment. RESULTS:Tooth impaction was more frequent in females (No. 14) than males (No. 10) in this study. Palatal and buccal impactions were 77% and 23%, respectively. Post-orthodontic treatment, periodontal probing depth averaged 2.2 mm and zone of keratinized gingiva averaged 3.6 mm. No discernible radiographic bone loss or root resorption was noticed. Overall, gingival margins provided an esthetic appearance in all cases. CONCLUSION: Closed flap surgical technique was associated with periodontal health and esthetic outcomes for an average of 10 years post-orthodontic treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The evolution of teeth and maxillary/mandibular bones has distinctively differed in origins and development contributing to tooth impaction and overcrowding. This study demonstrated that closed flap surgery is a reliable procedure for the treatment of impacted teeth that provides periodontal health and esthetic appearance post-orthodontic treatment.