Histologic Evaluation of the Effects of Emdogain Gel on Injured Root Apex in Rats

Introduction

This study investigated the effects of Emdogain gel (EMD) on the injured open apex within periapical lesions.

Methods

Periapical lesions were induced in rats by opening the pulp chambers of the mandibular first molars and filing the apical foramen through the distal root canal with #25 K-files to make an open apex. The teeth were exposed to the oral environment for 7 days. Then we irrigated the distal root canals and divided them into EMD-treated and propylene glycol alginate–treated groups. The rats were killed 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment and examined histochemically.

Results

In the EMD-treated rats, more cells expressed transforming growth factor-β1 or bone morphogenetic protein-2 at 7 days after treatment, and the regeneration of cementum and bone was observed around the root apex at 14 days after treatment. Conversely, in the propylene glycol alginate–treated group, few cells expressed transforming growth factor-β1 or bone morphogenetic protein-2, and apical periodontal tissue recovery was rarely seen within the periapical lesions throughout the experiment.

Conclusions

These results suggest that EMD does not irritate injured periapical tissue and may create a favorable environment that promotes the healing of destroyed periapical tissues.