Abstract
Tooth avulsion is the most severe traumatic tooth injury. Immediate replantation after avulsion provides the highest success rate, whereas delayed replantation with dehydration for >1h always results in ankylosis, replacement resorption, and eventual tooth loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the geomorphologic change of ultrastructure on tooth root surfaces due to dehydration. Twenty-four sound human premolars and fully developed third molars without periodontitis were selected for the experiment. Roots were separated into 6-7 pieces with an intact root surface area (3×3mm2 ) and then divided into the following groups: fresh group, prolonged dehydration groups (air drying for 1, 2, 4, 12, or 24h), and dehydrated teeth (air drying for 2h) treated with acid (Tris-HCl buffer or citric acid buffer). More than six pieces of root from each group were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Captured images were exported to ImageJ software to quantitatively analyze the areas covered with fibers. Statistical significance was determined by comparing the means of the different groups using t-testing or one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc testing. Fibrous "vegetation" covering the cementum was observed on the fresh root surface by SEM. This was destroyed by dehydration (>1h), resulting in a root surface resembling the "Gobi Desert." The difference was statistically significant (p<.001). Root surface deteriorated by dehydration could be recovered by the re-use of the fibers embedded in the cementum as acid demineralization of the outer layer of cementum exposed the embedded fibers to simulate the geomorphology of fresh root surface. Dehydrated teeth had deteriorated geomorphology of the root surface, which could be reversed by the re-use of the fibers embedded in the cementum using citric acid. Direct evidence from SEM gives new insights into the replantation of dehydrated avulsed teeth.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Dental traumatology : official publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
