Corticotomy and Osteotomy
A corticotomy is the procedure by which a flap is elevated and the cortical bone is scoured with a bur or
piezosurgical instrument approximately 1-2 mm in depth. This method was described more than five decades ago and used
in conjunction with orthodontic appliances in order to facilitate orthodontic movement.
The article 'Conventional wisdom and the surgical exposure of impacted teeth' (1) however has the conclusion:
Radical removal of bone during the exposure of an impacted tooth is unnecessary and potentially may be
harmful in terms of the periodontal prognosis of an otherwise successfully treated outcome.
Radical removal of bone during the exposure of an impacted tooth is unnecessary and potentially may be
harmful in terms of the periodontal prognosis of an otherwise successfully treated outcome.
(1) Becker A, Casap N., Chaushu S. Conventional wissdom and the surgical exposure of impacted teeth. Orthod
Craniofac Res. 2009 May; 12(2):82-93.doi: 10.1111/j.1601-6343.2009.01441.x.
2) Flavio Uribe. Increased Efficiency of Orthodontic Treatment through Ancillary Surgical Procedures.. orthotown
Magazine. July/August 2010.