Effects of hyperbaric oxygen during experimental tooth movement

To determine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. Twenty-four male, adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. HBO was administered in the first group, and the second group served as a control. The mandibular first molars were moved mesially by means of Ni-Ti closed coil springs in all groups. Results were evaluated histomorphometrically and the parameters of trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular bone number (Tr.N), and trabecular separation (Tr.Sep) were evaluated at the interradicular bone area of the mandibular first molars. Increases in BV/TV and Tr.N and decreases in Tr.Sep revealed the osteoblastic activity of HBO. HBO application caused an increase in bone apposition and osteoblastic activity or a decrease in osteoclastic activity. HBO enhanced the bone formation during experimental tooth movement. Therefore, the findings of this study support our hypothesis that osteoblastic activity might be modulated by changes in the environmental oxygen tension.