Influence of second premolar extractions on the volume of the oral cavity proper: A control comparative cone-beam computed tomography volumetric analysis study

To compare the pre- and postorthodontic treatment volumetric changes of the oral cavity proper (OCP) in extraction and nonextraction patients and to identify influencing variables.

Pre- and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed labial appliances and who satisfied the inclusion criteria were individually landmarked. Linear, angular, and volumetric measurements were determined. Descriptive statistics, repeated measure analyses of variance, correlations, and stepwise regression statistical analyses were applied.

The CBCT scans of 54 patients who underwent the extraction of second premolars and/or extraction of second primary molars associated with agenic second premolars, and 59 nonextraction patients matched for crowding, were assessed. The mean age for both groups was 15 years. There was a statistically significant increase in the volume of the OCP for both the extraction and nonextraction groups, with the nonextraction group demonstrating a larger increase in the volume of the OCP. Gender, age, changes in mandibular and maxillary arch length, and changes in mandibular and maxillary intermolar width all influenced the change in the OCP volume.

The volume of the OCP increased in growing patients with and without the extraction of the second premolars and/or extraction of second primary molars associated with agenic second premolars. Patients who did not have extractions as part of their orthodontic treatment demonstrated a greater overall increase in OCP volume.