Abstract
BACKGROUND: Accelerating orthodontic treatment is crucial in reducing complications such as root resorption, caries, and oral hygiene compromise, especially in adults. Piezocision and corticotomy are surgical techniques that accelerate tooth movement by causing bone remodelling. This study compares and evaluates changes in Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) following piezocision and corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics in adults. AIM: To assess and compare IL-1β fluctuations in GCF of adult patients undergoing corticotomy and piezocision-assisted orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS & METHODS: This split-mouth study consisted of 16 adult patients (18-25 years) who needed premolar extractions. One half of the maxilla was randomly assigned for piezocision and the other half for corticotomy. GCF samples were taken from maxillary canines at varying time intervals: pre-treatment (T0), before surgery (T1), and 24 h (T2), 7 days (T3), and 21 days (T4) following surgery. IL-1β concentrations were quantified using an ELISA kit, and statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: IL-1β concentrations were highest at 24 h after surgery (T2) in both groups and decreased steadily by day 21 (T4), but were still elevated above pre-treatment levels. IL-1β concentrations were significantly greater in the piezocision group at all time points after surgery than in the corticotomy group (p < 0.001), reflecting a more intense inflammatory reaction and greater bone cell metabolism. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that piezocision elicits a more intense biological response than corticotomy, as reflected by higher IL-1β levels in gingival crevicular fluid. While this may indicate a potential for enhanced bone remodelling and accelerated tooth movement, further research is needed to directly correlate cytokine expression with the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.