[Role of corticotomy in assisting space closure with atrophic alveolar ridge].

Purpose: To study the effect of corticotomy in assisting space closure in cases whose alveolar ridge atrophy was obvious after extraction.

Methods: Twenty two cases whose canine's distal movement<0.2mm/m were selected, 12 accepted corticotomy and the other 12 were selected as the control group. All the spaces were closed with sliding mechanics under the help of microscrews. SPSS 13.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.

Results: All the spaces were closed. The canine's movement speed in the experimental group was superior to the control group(P<0.05), and the canine's movement was almost bodily movement (P<0.05); there was no obvious gingiva fold after space closure (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the sulcus depth on the distal surface of the upper canine(P>0.05).