Experimental tooth movement through regenerate alveolar bone: A pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to experimentally evaluate tooth moveme nt through regenerate bone at an early time point during the consolidation phase after bilateral mandibular osteodistraction. Two beagle dogs underwen t 10 mm of bilateral mandibular lengthening via intraoral distraction osteo genesis between the fourth premolars and first molars. After 1 week of cons olidation, retraction of the fourth premolars was initiated. Immediately af ter completing premolar retraction, the dogs were sacrificed and the mandib les were analyzed radiographically, histologically, and by dental cast meas urements. Initially, all 4 fourth premolars moved distally, with 2 of the 4 touching the first molars at the time of sacrifice. Based on the current d ata, it is possible to move teeth through regenerate bone, and it appears t hat tooth movement can begin within weeks of starting the consolidation per iod.