When a displaced tooth resists orthodontic alignment, the presence of ankylosis is strongly suspected. If a tooth fails to respond to orthodontic therapy, the reactive intrusive force components of most orthodontic appliances will affect the adjacent teeth. The principle of distraction does not only apply to bone and sutures, but also to the periodontal ligament. This method is known as desmodontal distraction or PDL distraction (PDL = periodontal ligament). The objective of the lecture is to show the vertical periodontal ligament (V-PDL) distraction of ankylosed teeth using tooth-borne and bone-borne distractors.
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will be able to:
Diagnose tooth ankylosis and see possible complications due to an ankylosed tooth.
Evaluate different treatment options to address ankylosed teeth.
Use the method of PDL-distraction for extrusion of ankylosed teeth.
