Surgical Considerations and Decision Making in Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment/Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics

Focused Clinical Question Surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment (SFOT)/periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) has the potential of allowing safer orthodontic treatment in vulnerable periodontium with thin phenotypes. SFOT/PAOO is a phenotype modification therapy (PhMT) approach where thin bone morphotype and/or gingiva are surgically augmented to convert a fragile‐thin to a robust‐thick periodontal environment. This permits orthodontic treatment in these previously thin phenotype cases to proceed without iatrogenically‐induced adverse effects. This is an infrequently performed procedure with few available clinical recommendations. Summary In this practical application paper, three clinicians with the collective clinical experience of over 1500 SFOT cases developed a clinical decision‐making algorithm outlining the key steps for SFOT. A sample case is provided for clinical appreciation of the procedure. Lastly, this panel reviewed and detailed the critical decision making and surgical approaches associated with the use of SFOT. Though the basic decision making is consistent, individual variations on surgical management are compared. This is summarized in a clinical decision tree along with a sample clinical case. Additionally, the cumulative experience has been organized into tables that provide comparative decision and surgical approaches. There are similarities and differences. Lastly, strategies that have not been individually effective are also noted. Conclusion SFOT/PAOO is an effective PhMT approach whereby the bone and/or soft tissue phenotype can be surgically modified to permit orthodontic treatment in patients with thin phenotypes. The cumulative experience of three experienced clinicians provides clinical recommendations for SFOT management of PhMT for pre‐orthodontic treatment.