Assessment of the odontoclastic activity in extracted deciduous teeth with and without dental caries

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the odontoclasts and inflammatory cells in extracted deciduous teeth, with and without dental caries, and thereby evaluate the possibility of decreased rate of resorption/delay in exfoliation due to alteration in cell count of odontoclasts. Material and Methods: Twenty extracted deciduous teeth (10 with dental caries and 10 without dental caries) were collected, prepared, sectioned, and stained to study under a light microscope with a magnification of ×400. Histological analysis was done to assess the number, shape, and nature of odontoclasts and inflammatory cells. Results: The findings showed that the odontoclastic activity is more in non-carious deciduous teeth than in carious deciduous teeth which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Findings also indicate the predominance of inflammatory cells and evident hyperemia in carious deciduous teeth which was highly significant. Conclusion: Odontoclast number and activity are predominant in non-carious teeth whereas there is a clear dominance of inflammatory cells in the carious specimen over the non-carious specimen which establishes that dental caries in deciduous teeth may influence the normal physiologic resorption at the cellular level with reduced odontoclast activity, reducing the rate of resorption and delaying exfoliation. Clinical Significance: This study supports the fact of delayed exfoliation/shedding in carious deciduous teeth.