Change in dental pulp parameters in response to different modes of orthodontic force application

Abstract Objectives: (1) To evaluate dental pulp sensitivity by electrical pulp testing and measure aspartate aminotransferase activity in the pulp after 14 days of orthodontic intrusion, and (2) to compare those measurements with measurements obtained in teeth after 7 days of intrusion and 7 days of rest. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 13 subjects (mean age  =  16.5 ± 2.7 years). For every subject, before extraction, two contralateral premolars were included in a spring and loaded by a force. Two study groups were formed: Group A, teeth with 14 days of mechanical load, and Group B, teeth with 7 days of mechanical load plus 7 days of rest. Electrical pulp testing and aspartate aminotransferase activity measurements were performed after 14 days in all tested teeth. After extraction, aspartate aminotransferase activity in the pulp was determined spectrophotometrically at 20°C. Results: Mean aspartate aminotransferase activity values were 0.21 U/mg (SD  =  0.15) in Group A and 0.27 U/mg (SD...