Effect of proliferating tissue on transplanted teeth in dogs

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of transplanted proliferating tissue on the regeneration of periodontal ligaments (PDL) in tooth transplantation.Study designTwo weeks after removing the alveolar bone, proliferating tissues were excised and examined for expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using a LightCycler™. Next, the teeth to be transplanted (first premolars) were extracted and PDLs were removed by scaling. After that, the first premolar teeth and proliferating tissues for the experimental group were transplanted into bone cavities created at the sites of the third and fourth premolars, while the control sites received teeth only. Finally, 1, 2, and 4 weeks later, the animals were sacrificed and specimens were collected and processed for histopathologic examination.ResultsbFGF and ALPmRNA showed a significant increase in the transplanted proliferating tissue. Transplantation of the proliferating tissues positively affected the formation of new cementum and PDL. Moreover, application of the transplanted proliferating tissues decreased the occurrence and extent of ankylosis and root resorption at the root surface.ConclusionThese results indicate that transplanted proliferating tissue may promote the regeneration of periodontal tissue and prevent ankylosis and root resorption following the transplantation of teeth.