Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tooth vitality following Dental Alveolar Distraction at a rate of 1 mm/day. Methods: Seven mongrel hound dogs had the second mandibular premolars extracted with removal of all bone except the lingual plate in the site. The third premolar with the surrounding bone was sectioned off of the lingual plate and distracted mesially at a rate of 1 mm/day. The contralateral side had no appliances to ensure vitality. The distractor was turned each day for 6 days with measurement of actual jackscrew activation to compare against cast measurements of the teeth following distraction. Laser Doppler Flowmetry was used pre and post treatment to evaluate vitality. The transport segments were harvested with surrounding bone and analyzed under uCT. Results: There was no loss in vitality in the distracted teeth. No root resorption was seen in the experimental teeth. The teeth moved approximately 70% of the distance the distractor was activated. A significant difference in the bone quality was noted between each side indicative of healing bone. There was a significant increase in the alveolar width following distraction. Conclusions: DAD is a safe procedure to accelerate the movement of teeth.
