Bone apposition in surgical bony defects following orthodontic movement: a comparative histomorphometric study between root- and periodontal ligament-damaged and periodontally intact rat molars.

Background: The influence of orthodontic tooth movement with diminished periodontal support is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone healing in surgical defects following orthodontic tooth movement with and without periodontal ligament (PDL) and root surface damage.

Methods: The study comprised 33 adult male Wistar rats, divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 14) with bony defect and no root damage and group 2 (n = 19) with periodontal bony defect including root/PDL damage on the mesial root of the maxillary first molar.