Effects of Ovariectomy on the Structure of the Periodontium and Root Resorption During Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rats

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy on the histological structure of periodontal tissues and the extent of root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

Study Design: This was an experimental research study.

Methodology: A total of 24 rats Wistar were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1 (CTL) - 6 rats with no experimental procedure; Group 2 (ITM) - 6 rats subjected to induced tooth movement for 7 days; Group 3 (OVX) - 6 rats that underwent ovariectomy; Group 4 (OVX +ITM) - 6 rats subjected to both ovariectomy and induced tooth movement for 7 days. After the experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and the jaws were removed, fixed in 10% formalin, decalcified, embedded in paraplast, sectioned to 5 µm, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Morphological and morphometric analyses of the periodontal tissues, histological evaluation of the root surface and quantification of tooth movement were performed.

Results: The OVX + ITM group exhibited a higher rate of tooth movement compared to the ITM group and shower greater root resorption than all other experimental groups.

Conclusion: Induced tooth movement combined with ovariectomy results in a higher rate of tooth movement and an increased incidence of root resorption.