THE EFFECT OF ACETAMINOPHEN ON TOOTH MOVEMENT IN RABBITS

Orthodontic patients have reported the use of analgesics during therap y. However, common anti-inflammatory analgesics, such as aspirin and i buprofen, have been shown to slow the rate of tooth movement. Acetamin ophen, another common analgesic, does not possess anti-inflammatory pr operties. The effect of acetaminophen on tooth movement was studied us ing New Zealand white rabbits. Experimental animals were matched to a control animal of the same sex and weight. Under anesthesia, springs w ere ligated between the lower first molar and incisor, resulting in ap proximation of these teeth. Under blinded conditions, seven of the rab bits received 1000 mgs of acetaminophen daily. Seven control animals r eceived water. The animals were sacrificed after 21 days. The movement of incisors and molars was measured. Results showed considerable move ment within both the experimental and control groups, but no significa nt difference in tooth movement between them. Acetaminophen has no eff ect on the rate of tooth movement in rabbits undergoing orthodontic tr eatment.