The primary purpose of this investigation was to assess the pulpal blood flow (PBF) changes of the teeth which are applied forces of individuals with skeletal bilateral crossbite, by laser Doppler flowmetry technique. The study group consisted of 26 individuals (15 female, 11 male) aged 11,5–14,3 years. Modified Bonded Rapid Maxillary Expander was used as an expansion appliance. In order to assess PBF changes laser Doppler flowmeter (Periflux 4001 Master, Perimed AB, Sweden) was used. Laser doppler flowmetry readings was performed on incisors, canines and first molars just before (T1), first week (T2) and third week (T3) of expansion. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis. In comparison of T1 and T2, pulpal blood flow values increased significantly from 9,71 to 16,55. Same correlation was also seen in the comparison of T1 and T3. Increment was statistically significant and rised from 9,71 to 11,54. However, there is a statistically significant decrease between the values of T2 and T3, 16.55 to 11,54. At the first week, PBF increased nearly two times, than a significant decrease occured at the third week of expansion. These results suggest that PBF changes occurs during expansion and LDF is one of the most effective method to evaluate these changes.

Keywords: Pulpal blood flow, rapid maxillary expansion, laser Doppler flowmetry