Time of endodontic treatment in autogenic transplants of mature teeth: histological study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Root canal therapy is often recommended after mature tooth transplantation. The aim of this work was to histologically evaluate, in dogs, the best time for root canal treatment in autogenic transplants of teeth with complete root formation. STUDY DESIGN: Mandibular lateral incisors of 8 dogs were extracted and transplanted to the homologous alveolus, endodontically treated after 15 (Group I) or 40 (Group II) days, and processed for routine histological evaluation. Tissue responses on the root surface were evaluated by light microscopy and classified as normal periodontium, active inflammatory root resorption, favorable healing, and unfavorable healing. RESULTS: The mean of normal periodontal tissue was in 88.6% in Group I and 79.4% in Group II. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups in all analyzed parameters. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that endodontic therapy can be postponed for 40 days postoperatively when the tooth stability is higher.