Determinants of pathological tooth migration

Objective: Pathological tooth migration (PTM) is an esthetic and functional problem that may be associated with multiple etiological factors. The purpose of this cross-sectional epidemiological study is to determine prevalence of PTM among periodontitis patients and investigate the association of various contributing factors such as tongue thrusting, missing posteriors, trauma from occlusion, class II malocclusion, and aberrant frenum. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 445 participants (age of 25–65 years) with chronic periodontitis. Results: Comparison of categorical values was done using Chi-square test and continuous variables were done using independent-sample t-test. Statistically significant results were seen in patients with tongue thrusting (P < 0.002), missing posteriors (P < 0.032), trauma from occlusion (P < 0.007). The results are not statistically significant with abnormal frenum, class II malocclusion. Conclusion: We conclude that tongue thrusting, missing posteriors, and trauma from occlusion are associated with PTM in periodontitis patients. Though class II malocclussion and aberrant frenum are seen in patients with pathological migration, significant association is not present