Periodontal clinical evaluation before and after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion

INTRODUCTION: The surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion is a procedure that reduces the resistance of the sutures correcting the posterior crossbite in adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status of 17 adults submitted to this procedure. METHODS: The clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession, attached gingiva and bleeding were evaluated in maxillary first premolars and molars, central and lateral incisors of right and left sides before surgery, 5 days and 6 months after. Means, standard deviation, medians, minimum and maximum values were compared among the evaluations using the Friedman and McNemar tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in CAL in the right central incisor, right and left premolars and right and left molars. There was a statistically significant increase in gingival recession in the right and left premolars and molars. The amount of attached gingiva significantly decreased in right premolars and right and left molars. There was increase in bleeding in most of the teeth. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that the surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion might cause alterations in periodontal tissue.