The effect of extra-alveolar root filling with calcium hydroxide on periodontal healing after replantation of permanent incisors in monkeys

The effect of calcium hydroxide, used as an extra-alveolar root filling material, on periodontal healing was examined in green vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiopa). Incisors were extracted and a root canal filling of calcium hydroxide paste was processed. Control teeth were replanted after either pulp extirpation or root filling with gutta-percha. In the experimental groups, the extra-alveolar period was either 18 or 120 minutes. The animals were killed eight weeks after replantation, and the replanted teeth were examined histologically. The histologic parameters recorded for each tooth were surface resorption, inflammatory resorption, replacement resorption (ankylosis), periapical inflammatory changes, and downgrowth of pocket epithelium. Teeth with canals filled with calcium hydroxide that had an extra-alveolar time period of 18 minutes, showed noticeably more replacement resorption than either the teeth with canals filled with gutta-percha or those with extirpated pulps. Calcium hydroxide paste may diffuse through the apical foramen, thus injuring the periodontal ligament in the apical region. Consequently, the use of calcium hydroxide does not seem justified in the initial treatment of avulsed teeth, but it can be used after some weeks when periodontal ligament healing has progressed.     

Evaluation of the anti‐resorptive ability of an experimental acetazolamide paste for the treatment of late replanted teeth: a study in rats

Abstract – When late replantation is performed, the root surface and root canal should be treated. Notwithstanding failures still occur, because of the high rates of root resorption, evidencing the need to search for substances that may inhibit root resorption. The acetazolamide is a known anti‐resorptive agent, and its use as root canal dressing may increase the success rates in the treatment of root resorption. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of an acetazolamide paste used as root canal dressing in late replanted teeth. The study was conducted on 24 maxillary right incisors of rats, which were avulsed and divided in two groups. In group I, the teeth were kept dry for 30 min, had their root surfaces rubbed with a blade, and were treated with 2% sodium fluoride at pH 5.5 for 20 min; the root canals were instrumented and filled with acetazolamide paste; and then the teeth were replanted. In group II, the treatment was similar to group I, except for the root canal dressing, with utilization of calcium hydroxide in group II. At 15 and 60 days after replantation, the animals were killed and the specimens were processed in a histotechnical laboratory for microscopic and morphometric analysis. The results demonstrated the ability of both intracanal substances to limit root resorption, yet they were unable to completely inhibit the root resorption. Replacement resorption lacunae were present in greater proportion in group II, at 60 days. It was concluded that the acetazolamide paste was effective to limit the root resorption, being more effective in limiting the replacement resorption compared with calcium hydroxide.     

MORPHOMETRIC AND MICROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF GALLIUM NITRATE AS A ROOT CANAL DRESSING IN RAT TEETH SUBMITTED TO LATE REPLANTATION

The purpose of this study was to test a gallium nitrate solution, a resorption inhibitor, employed as a root canal dressing in teeth submitted to late replantation. Thirty maxillary right central incisors of rats were avulsed and kept dry for thirty minutes. The teeth were instrumented and the root surfaces were treated with 1% hypochlorite solution followed by application of 2% sodium fluoride. Thereafter, the teeth were divided into two groups according to the root canal dressing: Group I, solution of gallium nitrate; and Group II, calcium hydroxide paste. The teeth were then replanted in their respective sockets. The animals were killed at 15, 30 and 60 days after replantation and the samples were processed for morphometric and microscopic analysis. The results demonstrated that the gallium nitrate solution and the calcium hydroxide paste limited the root resorption, yet they did not impair its occurrence. It may be concluded that gallium nitrate solution and calcium hydroxide paste demonstrated similar performance.     

Periapical tissue reactions to calcium hydroxide and MTA after external root resorption as a sequela of delayed tooth replantation

Clinical experience has shown that most avulsed teeth are replanted after a long extra-alveolar time and dry or inadequate wet storage, causing necrosis of periodontal ligament cells. This condition invariably leads to development of external root resorption, leaving the filling material in contact with the periapical connective tissues. In this study, the periapical tissue reactions to calcium hydroxide (CH) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) were evaluated after occurrence of external root resorption as an expected sequela of delayed tooth replantation. Twenty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus, albinus) had their right upper incisor extracted and maintained in dry storage for 60 min. Then, the dental papilla, enamel organ, pulp tissue, and periodontal ligament were removed, and the teeth were immersed in a 2% acidulated phosphate sodium fluoride solution, pH 5.5, for 10 min. The teeth were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10), in which the canals were filled with either a CH and saline paste (CH group) or MTA (MTA group). The sockets were irrigated with saline, and the teeth were replanted. After 80 days, it was possible to observe large areas of replacement root resorption and some areas of inflammatory root resorption in both groups. More severe inflammatory tissue reaction was observed in contact with calcium hydroxide compared with the mineral trioxide aggregate. New bone formation was more intense at the bottom of the socket in the MTA group. In conclusion, as far as periapical tissue compatibility is concerned, intracanal MTA can be considered as a viable option for root canal filling in delayed tooth replantation, in which external root resorption is an expected sequela.     

Replantation of teeth and antibiotic treatment

Abstract Administration of antibiotics is usually recommended when a traumatically avulsed tooth is replanted, in order to prevent bacterial contamination. In the present study, permanent lateral incisors of monkeys were extracted, allowed to dry for 1 h and then replanted. Some teeth had their pulp chambers opened labially and left open for 3 wk after replantation. The monkeys were treated with antibiotics (i.m.) either at the lime of replantation or 3 wk after replantation. In some monkeys, antibiotics were placed in the pulpal cavity. Comparisons were made of the effect of endodontic treatment on periodontal healing and root resorption. The monkeys were killed 8 wk after replantation. It was found that after systemic antibiotic treatment at the time of replantation there was no inflammatory root resorption. Also, endodontic treatment at the time of replantation prevented inflammatory root resorption. When systemic antibiotic treatment was instituted 3 wk after (he replantation, there was no reduction of the inflammatory root resorption as compared with teeth without antibiotic treatment. Application of antibiotics in the pulp 3 wk after replantation almost completely eliminated the inflammatory resorption. In all the treatment groups where administration of antibiotics or endodontic treatment had prevented, reduced or eliminated inflammatory root resorption, 30–45% of the root surface area was ankylotic 8 wk after replantation.     

Treatment of inflammatory external root resorption resulting from dental avulsion and pulp necrosis: clinical case report

The aim of this case report was to present a treatment for severe inflammatory external root resorption. The condition developed due to the patient's neglect to seek adequate treatment following replantation of an avulsed maxillary left central incisor. Following diagnosis, treatment consisted of conventional endodontic therapy with calcium hydroxide dressings and definitive filling of the root canal after the resorption was controlled radiographically. A 24-month follow-up showed that the resorption process had stabilized and the patient was free of symptoms. Successful tooth replantation requires following the indicated therapy effectively. Nevertheless, when an inflammatory external root resorption occurs, adequate endodontic treatment to remove the necrotic content and bacteria is required, as is the use of calcium hydroxide dressings.     

Short-term vs long-term calcium hydroxide therapy after immediate tooth replantation: a histomorphometric study in monkey's teeth

Abstract – Endodontic treatment is an important step of tooth replantation protocols, but the ideal moment for definitive obturation of replanted teeth has not yet been established. In this study, a histomorphometric analysis was undertaken to evaluate the repair process on immediate replantation of monkey’s teeth after calcium hydroxide (CH) therapy for 1 and 6 months followed by root canal filling with a CH‐based sealer (Sealapex^®). The maxillary and mandibular lateral incisors of five female Cebus apella monkeys were extracted, kept in sterile saline for 15 min, replanted and splinted with stainless steel orthodontic wire and composite resin for 10 days. In Group I (control), definitive root canal filling was performed before tooth extraction. In Groups II and III, CH therapy started after removal of splint, and definitive root canal filling was performed 1 and 6 months later, respectively. The animals were euthanized 9 months after replantation, and specimens were processed for histomorphometric analysis. In all groups, epithelial attachment occurred at the cementoenamel junction or very close to this region; the areas of resorption on root surface had small extension and depth and were repaired by newly formed cementum; and the periodontal ligament was organized. Statistical analysis of the scores obtained for the histomorphometric parameters did not show any statistically significant difference (P = 0.1221) among the groups. The results suggests that when endodontic treatment is initiated 10 days after immediate replantation and an antibiotic regimen is associated, definitive root canal filling can be performed after a short‐term CH therapy.     

Long‐term retention of avulsed maxillary permanent incisors replanted after prolonged non‐physiological storage

Ankylosis and external replacement resorption (ERR) are two typical biological responses to delayed replantation of avulsed teeth in cases where adequate root canal treatment is performed. The patient's growth stage affects the progression of root resorption and the long‐term outcome of the affected teeth. This case report describes the long‐term outcome of an 18.5‐year‐old patient following an accident in which both of his maxillary central incisors were avulsed and replanted after four hours of non‐physiological storage. ERR and ankylosis of teeth 11 and 21 were detected clinically and radiographically during the second year of follow‐up. Sixteen years after replantation, replacement resorption was progressing very slowly, enabling functional tooth retention with favorable esthetics. Young adults, with delayed replantation of avulsed teeth, may benefit from tooth retention with slow ERR.     

Delayed replantation of avulsed mature teeth with calcium hydroxide treatment

Three avulsed teeth that were replanted and splinted after approximately a 200-min dry extraoral period in two patients are presented. In case 1 calcium hydroxide treatment was performed 1 month after replantation, because the patient did not come for endodontic treatment on the day after replantation as requested. In case 2, calcium hydroxide treatment was initiated on the day after replantation. Calcium hydroxide treatment was used to prevent or treat inflammatory root resorption. During the follow-up periods the teeth reported in these cases have remained in a stable, functional position and did not reveal clinical ankylosis or replacement resorption.     

脱位再植牙牙髓不同处理方法对比研究

目的 探讨脱位再植牙牙髓治疗的最佳方法。方法 61例67颗再植牙随机分为四组，A组：术前不做牙髓治疗直接再植，出现牙髓病变时常规根充，B组：术前去髓，根充碘仿氢氧化钙，（Metapaste)半年后常规根充，C组；术前去髓，根充氢氧化钙，半年后常规根充，D组；术前去髓常规根充，结果 当牙脱位时间超过30分钟后，术前牙髓治疗组的疗效显著优于术后牙髓治疗组。术前去髓充入根管过渡性药物氢氧化钙或碘仿氢氧化钙组的疗效显著优于即刻常规根管治疗组，单纯使用氢氧化钙与使用Metapaste做根管过渡性药物，二者间疗效无显著性差异。结论 牙脱位时间大于30分钟后，术前去髓，先充入氢氧化钙类根管过渡性药物，半年后行根充糊剂加牙胶尖永久充填为较理想的牙髓治疗方法。     

外伤性脱位再植牙根管处理的时机选择

目的:探讨脱位再植牙根管处理的最佳时机。方法:42例49颗脱位再植牙随机分为3组,A组:术前去髓,根充氢氧化钙,半年后常规根充。B组:直接再植,再植术后1周去髓,根充氢氧化钙,半年后常规根充。C组:直接再植,出现牙髓病变时根充氢氧化钙,半年后常规根充。结果:A组与B组的有效率分别为81.25%和94.44%,两者间疗效无显著差异;且A、B两组的疗效均显著优于C组(53.33%),P值均<0.05。结论:牙脱位时间在3h内,再植术后1周行去髓根充氢氧化钙,半年后再行常规根充为较理想的根管处理时机及治疗方法。     

The effects of topical application of bisphosphonates on replanted rat molars

Abstract – The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of two bisphosphonates (BPs) (etidronate and zoledronate), compared with that of alendronate, which is a well‐known drug for delayed replantation, in decreasing or preventing inflammatory root resorption and replacement root resorption in replanted teeth. Eighty‐four Sprague Dawley rat maxillary first molars were extracted, dried for 60 min and then replanted after root treatment. The rats were divided into four groups (control, alendronate, etidronate, zoledronate) as following treatments of avulsed root before replantation. At 7, 14, and 28 days postreplantation, the animals were sacrificed and the samples obtained and process for microscopic analysis. The data were statistically analyzed with the SPSS procedure, anova test and each test was complemented by the Tukey’s post hoc test. The result indicated that topical application of alendronate and zoledronate, both nitrogen containing BPs, prevented inflammatory root resorption and inflammatory cell response in the delayed replantation model. Both drugs were demonstrated similar effects in the delayed tooth replantation model (P = 0.9). Etidronate did not prevent inflammatory root resorption and inflammation in the delayed replantation (P < 0.05). No significant differences in replacement root resorption were observed among all drugs. These results suggest that when teeth are dried and not replanted immediately, zoledronate, like alendronate, may prevent root resorption and facilitates the regeneration of periodontal tissues after replantation.     

Effect of root surface treatment with propolis and fluoride in delayed tooth replantation in rats

Abstract – Replantation is an acceptable option for treatment of an avulsed permanent tooth. Nevertheless, an extended extraoral period damages the periodontal ligament and results in external root resorption. The purpose of this study was to assess by histologic and histometric analysis, the influence of propolis 15% (natural resinous substance collected by Apis mellifera bees from various plants) and the fluoride solution used as root surface treatment on the healing process after delayed tooth replantation. Thirty Wistar (Rattus norvegicus albinus) rats were submitted to extraction of their upper right incisor. The teeth were maintained in a dry environment for 60 min. After this, the pulp was extirpated and the papilla, enamel organ and periodontal ligament were removed with scalpel. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups: Group I – teeth immersed in 20 ml of physiologic saline; Group II – teeth immersed in 20 ml of 2% acidulated phosphate sodium fluoride; Group III – teeth immersed in 20 ml of 15% propolis. After 10 min of immersion in the solutions, the root canals were dried and filled with calcium hydroxide paste and the teeth were replanted. The animals were euthanized 60 days after replantation. The results showed that similar external root resorption was seen in the propolis and fluoride groups. Teeth treated with physiologic saline tended to have more inflammatory root resorption compared with those treated with fluoride or propolis. However, the comparative analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the treatment modalities when used for delayed tooth replantation.     

Evaluation of the topical effect of alendronate on the root surface of extracted and replanted teeth. Microscopic analysis on rats' teeth

Abstract –  The treatment of choice for tooth avulsion is replantation. The ideal replantation should be realized as quickly as possible, or at least, the avulsed tooth should be kept in an adequate solution to preserve the periodontal ligament attached to the root. If that is not possible, treatment of the radicular surface should be done in order to prevent radicular resorption. The purpose of this study was to test sodium alendronate as a substance for topical treatment of the radicular surface of avulsed teeth in an attempt to prevent the occurrence of dental resorptions. Fifty-four rat maxillary right central incisors were extracted and replanted. Group I – extra-alveolar dry period of 15 min, intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide (CALEN^®, S.S. White, Artigos Dentários LTDA, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and replantation; Groups II and III – extra-alveolar dry periods of 30 and 60 min, respectively, immersion in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 30 min for removal of the periodontal ligament, washing in saline solution for 5 min, and treatment of the radicular surface with 3.2 mg/l sodium alendronate solution for 10 min. Intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide and replantation followed. At 15, 60, and 90 days post-reimplantation, the animals were killed and the samples obtained and processed for microscopic analysis. The results indicated that sodium alendronate was able to reduce the incidence of radicular resorption, but not of dental ankylosis. No significant differences were observed regarding variations in the extra-alveolar periods among the groups.     

The Effect on Periodontal and Pulpal Tissues of Various Cleansing Procedures Prior to Replantation of Extracted Teeth

The effect of cleansing the root surface of extracted teeth in either saliva or tap water prior to replantation was studied in green Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Maxillary central- and mandibular lateral incisors and mandibular first molars were extracted. The extra-alveolar period before replantation was 10 sec. During this period the root surface was cleaned with either saliva or tap water. The replanted teeth were examined histologically after 8 weeks. The histometric analysis showed significantly more normal periodontium and significantly less inflammatory root resorption in teeth cleaned in tap water than in teeth cleaned in saliva. The beneficial effect of this rinsing procedure in clinical practice in case of mature teeth is dubious, as inflammatory resorption is normally controlled by pulp extirpation and a root canal filling. Furthermore, the abovementioned finding is based on the use of tap water with only a moderate chlorine concentration, leading one to suspect that tap water with higher chlorine concentrations may be detrimental to healing. Provisional guidelines for the immediate treatment of avulsed teeth are suggested.     

Effect of brief storage in ATP solution on periodontal healing after replantation of teeth in rats

ATP solution seems to increase calcium absorption when applied both to dentin and to the pulp before the application of calcium hydroxide. In this study, the effects of a brief storage of teeth in ATP or saline solution before replantation were compared. The right maxillary incisors of 80 male albino rats were extracted and immersed, either directly or after 25 min air-drying, in ATP or saline solution and then replanted. Eight animals in each group were killed 5, 10, 30, 60 and 90 d after replantation and the teeth were examined histologically. The histometric analysis revealed significant differences between the saline- and ATP-treated group. More new cementum or cementum-like tissue was deposited over the radicular surface in the ATP-treated teeth. More root surface area was resorbed and not repaired by new cementum in the saline group and more total root surface was not resorbed or resorbed and repaired in the ATP-treated group. Based on these findings, it seems reasonable to conclude that brief storage of teeth in ATP solution before replantation may have improved the healing of replanted teeth in rats.     

Treatment and prognosis of avulsed teeth: A discussion and case report

A documented case that involves avulsion of an incisor is reported. Calcium hydroxide failed to prevent progressive irreversible root resorption. The importance of extraoral time, transport media, duration and type of splinting, as well as the rationale for the use of calcium hydroxide in the treatment of avulsed teeth are discussed. This case could serve as a reminder to practitioners, that patient compliance, timing and sequencing of endodontic therapy, and regular recalls is critical in the prevention or treatment of root resorption in avulsed teeth. It also emphasizes the frustration of many clinicians in treating avulsed immature teeth. The reporting of long-term documented cases should be encouraged so that replantation techniques may be evaluated.     

Periodontal response to two intracanal medicaments in replanted monkey incisors

Abstract – Intracanal medicaments are recommended for use in replanted teeth to inhibit inflammatory root resorption. This study compared the effect of calcium hydroxide (Pulpdent^®) and a corticosteroid-antibiotic paste (Ledermix^®) on periodontal healing and root resorption following replantation. Incisors of eight Macaca fascicularis monkeys were extracted, stored dry for 15 min and replanted. After 11 days, root canals in two adjacent maxillary incisors were treated with one medicament and contralateral incisors with the other medicament, or left as untreated controls. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks later and the teeth prepared for histomorphometric evaluation of periodontal ligament inflammation and root resorption. Periodontal ligament inflammation and inflammatory root resorption were markedly inhibited by both calcium hydroxide and corticosteroid-antibiotic relative to untreated controls. Replacement resorption was lowest in the corticosteroid-antibiotic group, and significantly ( P <0.05) more normal periodontal ligament was present in this group (79.6%) than in calcium hydroxide and control groups (64.6% and 62.7%, respectively). Treatment with the corticosteroid-antibiotic inhibited inflammatory resorption and was slightly more effective than calcium hydroxide in producing a periodontal healing response.     

Tubular permeability to calcium hydroxide and to bleaching agents

Recent reports of clinical cases suggest that cervical root resorption may follow bleaching of endodontically treated teeth. Inflammatory root resorption may be arrested by placement of calcium hydroxide into the root canal. The dentinal tubules are assumed to be a possible route of action for both agents. pH Values of the medium surrounding the tooth after placement of bleaching agents and calcium hydroxide within the root canals were determined in this study. Thirty extracted single-rooted human teeth were divided into three equal groups. The pulp cavity of the experimental teeth was filled with either bleaching agents or calcium hydroxide. In the control group it was left empty. Dipping in paraffin sealed the access cavity and the apical foramina and isolated the teeth except at the cervical root surface. The teeth were placed in vials containing distilled water and the pH of the medium was measured after 1 h, 3 days, and 7 days following renewal of the medium. The level of the pH in the first group increased, indicating that the bleaching agents leaked from the root canal to the medium surrounding the teeth. The pH in other two groups did not change noticeably. The results suggest that bleaching agents may leak from the root canal toward the periodontal tissues but calcium hydroxide does not alkalinize the medium surrounding the teeth. Leakage of the bleaching agents through dentin may, therefore, be considered as a possible etiological factor that initiates an inflammatory process around the teeth that may be followed by cervical root resorption.     

Delayed replantation of rat teeth after use of reconstituted powdered milk as a storage medium

Abstract – Minimal extraoral dry storage period and moist storage for the avulsed tooth are identified as key steps for the treatment protocol of tooth replantation. Among the possible moist storage media, bovine milk has stood out because of its capacity of preserving the integrity of the periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers. This condition has attracted the attention to investigate the use of powdered milk, which is one of the presentation forms of bovine milk, as a feasible storage medium in cases of delayed tooth replantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing process after delayed replantation of rat teeth stored in reconstituted powdered milk and long shelf‐life (ultra high temperature) whole milk. Forty maxillary right rat incisors were assigned to four groups (n = 10): group I – the teeth were extracted and immediately replanted into theirs sockets; group II – the teeth were stored for 60 min in 200 ml of freshly reconstituted powdered milk; group III – the teeth were stored for 60 min in 200 ml of long shelf‐life whole milk; group IV – the teeth were kept dry for the same time. All procedures were performed at room temperature. Next, the root canals of teeth in groups II, III, and IV were instrumented, filled with a calcium hydroxide‐based paste, and replanted into their sockets. All animals received systemic antibiotic therapy and were killed by anesthetic overdose 60 days after replantation. The pieces containing the replanted teeth were removed, fixed, decalcified, and paraffin‐embedded. Semi‐serial 6‐μm‐thick sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histomorphological analysis. There was statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between groups I and IV regarding the presence of replacement resorption and PDL remnants on root surface. The powdered milk and long shelf‐life whole milk presented similar results to each other and may be indicated as storage media for avulsed teeth.