Tissue response to glass ionomer retrograde root fillings

The periapical tissue response to glass ionomer cement retrograde root fillings was investigated both in the presence and in the absence of fillings in the root canals of eight upper incisor teeth of four monkeys. The pulps of the teeth were extirpated and one canal in each pair was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha immediately after canal preparation. The other canal was prepared but left open to oral contamination. Apicectomies were performed on both teeth in each pair 1 week later, and glass ionomer cement retrograde root fillings were placed. After 5 months, the teeth and surrounding tissues were removed and prepared for histological examination. All four of the teeth without root canal fillings showed severe periapical inflammation, and bacterial were present in the interface between the dentine and the retrograde root filling. The teeth with root canal fillings showed little or no periapical inflammation. This study showed that adhesive retrograde root fillings were successful when the root canal was completely filled, but in the absence of a gutta-percha canal filling they failed to provide a seal.