The Influence of Anatomical Characteristics and Orthodontic Force on Pulpal Oxygen Saturation: A Clinical Study Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy38 enrolled

Overview

The primary objective of this clinical protocol is to evaluate and compare the physiological responses of dental pulp to two different magnitudes of orthodontic force during active orthodontic treatment. Participants are assigned to either a 150g orthodontic force group (experimental group) or a 50g orthodontic force group (active comparator group). Orthodontic Force Application: A continuous orthodontic force of approximately 150g is applied to the target teeth in the experimental group, whereas a continuous force of approximately 50g is applied to the target teeth in the active comparator group. The magnitude of the applied force is verified using a tension gauge to ensure standardized force delivery. Pulse Oximetry (SpO₂) Measurement: Pulp oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is assessed using the same standardized protocol in both groups. The target teeth are isolated with cotton rolls to control moisture, and the dental chair light is turned off to minimize optical interference with the pulse oximeter. Three consecutive measurements are obtained at each assessment time point, and the mean value is recorded for analysis. This standardized protocol enables comparison of pulp oxygen saturation responses between teeth subjected to 150g and 50g orthodontic forces while minimizing variability related to force application and measurement procedures.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Orthodontic

Interventions

150g Orthodontic Force ApplicationDEVICE

A controlled mechanical orthodontic force of approximately 150g is applied to the target teeth and verified using a tension gauge. The force is applied to induce orthodontic tooth movement, and pulp oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is monitored at predefined follow-up time points.

50g Orthodontic Force ApplicationDEVICE

A controlled mechanical orthodontic force of approximately 50g is applied to the target teeth and verified using a tension gauge. The force serves as the active comparator, and pulp oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is monitored at the same predefined follow-up time points as in the 150g group.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 15 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged between 15 and 35 years old. * Patients undergoing routine fixed orthodontic treatment with indications for premolar extractions and subsequent canine retraction phase. * Target canines must be vital with healthy dental pulp and no periapical pathology. * Pre-existing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of acceptable diagnostic quality available in the patient's records, taken prior to the canine retraction phase. * Patient or legal guardian provides written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Target canines with a history of dental trauma, extensive caries, periodontal disease, or previous endodontic treatment. * Patients with systemic diseases affecting peripheral blood circulation or microvasculature (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, severe anemia, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions). * Patients currently using systemic vasoconstrictors or anti-inflammatory medications during the active monitoring period. * Pregnancy or lactation. * Refusal to sign the informed consent form.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Changes in Dental Pulp Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) Levels

Dental pulp oxygen saturation levels are measured in percentages (%) using a customized pulse oximeter probe adapted for dental use. The objective is to evaluate the physiological microcirculatory response of the canine pulp following orthodontic force application.

Time frame: Baseline (pre-force), 20 minutes, 24 hours, 7 days, and 4 weeks post-force application

Secondary Outcomes

Alveolar Bone and Root Anatomical Measurements on CBCT

Three-dimensional anatomical variables are measured secondarily from pre-existing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans using specialized imaging software. Variables include cortical bone thickness (mm) at the canine apex region, root apex-to-cortical plate distance (mm), and total root length (mm). These baseline metrics will be correlated with the observed SpO2 changes.

Time frame: Baseline (at the time of the pre-existing CBCT scan prior to the canine retraction phase)