title: The long-term effects of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on developing deciduous molar teeth.
abstract: Background. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in alleviating the micrognathia-associated upper airway obstruction but very few studies have focused on long-term dental outcomes. Objective. To report the effect of MDO on developing deciduous molars in the distraction area. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with Pierre Robin sequence who underwent MDO with documented long-term dental assessments. Results. Ten children (mean age at surgery 69.8 days; 6 boys and 4 girls) were included for analysis. All patients underwent bilateral MDO with an inverted L-shaped osteotomy to avoid injuring tooth buds. The dental developmental stage was primary dentition in all children. Overall, 3 patients developed minor dental problems involving 4 molar teeth (2 root malformations and 2 shape anomalies) but they did not require any interventions. Conclusion. Significant primary molar developmental complications were not seen in our patients. The use of internal distractor device with an inverted L-shaped osteotomy seems to be a safe surgical approach in regards to dental outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie Pediatric Craniofacial Group, Department of Surgery, IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 9700, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3K 6R8.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Elise
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Belyea
authors.forename: S Mark
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Donald B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Kearns
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bezuhly