Histological Assessment of Pulp Condition after Apical Vital Root Transection in One Root of Multirooted Teeth in Dogs: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

One of the most important aspects in surgery is the healing process after the periapical surgery. Past studies have shown occasional encounters with vital root resection and have noted varying degrees of pulpal response after root resection in periodontal disease. The purpose of this investigation was to observe the pulpal and periapical responses to intentional apical vital root transection in one root of multirooted teeth of German-Canadian dogs over a 6-month postoperative period. This is an experimental study performed on left maxillary and mandibular quadrants of four adult German-Canadian dogs after a 3- and 6-month period. Four teeth were assessed in each interval. One of the roots of multirooted teeth in the left quadrant of both maxillary and mandibular jaws was surgically transected. Tissue blocks were prepared by routine histological methods after 12 and 24 weeks after the surgery. The results showed a disruption of the normal pulpal architecture, with initial pulpal degeneration and subsequent early replacement by the periodontal ligament tissue after 24 weeks. Hypercementosis was seen around the apical portion of the root in all specimens. Pulpal regeneration was seen in the both upper and lower molars (p = 0.03). Resorption took place only in two specimens (p = 0.46). The inflammation in the 12th week was more than the 24th week. The pulp of multirooted teeth remains vital after transection of the apical part of the root in dogs. Longer follow-up periods are recommended because root canal therapy or extraction is indicated if resorption, necrosis, or ankylosis is seen.