Circumpulpal Dentin Research Articles

Effects of direct therapeutic radiation on pulpal surface of root dentin: an in vitro study.

The aims of the study were to analyze the effects of therapeutic radiation on human root dentin samples from the aspect of possible alterations in crystallinity, micro-morphology, and composition. Fifty-six root dentin specimens were divided into seven groups (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60Gy). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed on pulpal surfaces of root dentin after being irradiated by 6MV photon energy. Mineral compositions, Ca/P, P/N, Ca/N ratios, and hydroxyapatite pikes were calculated. Some deuteriations on the dentin surface were observed in SEM images after 30Gy and subsequent doses. One-way ANOVA revealed that there was no significant alteration in weight percentages of C, O, Mg, Ca, P, and N between groups. Radiation did not influence stoichiometric Ca/P, Ca/N, and P/N molar ratios. XRD analysis did not show a remarkable decline in hydroxyapatite pikes by the increasing doses. Radiotherapy changes the micromorphology of circumpulpal dentin but does not affect elemental composition and crystallinity.

Dental defects in the primary dentition associated with hypophosphatasia from biallelic ALPL mutations.

ALPL encodes tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), an enzyme expressed in bone, teeth, liver, and kidney. ALPL loss-of-function mutations cause hypophosphatasia (HPP), an inborn error-of-metabolism that produces skeletal and dental mineralization defects. Case reports describe widely varying dental phenotypes, making it unclear how HPP comparatively affects the three unique dental mineralized tissues: enamel, dentin, and cementum. We hypothesized that HPP affected all dental mineralized tissues and aimed to establish quantitative measurements of dental tissues in a subject with HPP. The female proband was diagnosed with HPP during childhood based on reduced alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), mild rachitic skeletal effects, and premature primary tooth loss. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed genetically by the presence of compound heterozygous ALPL mutations (exon 5: c.346G>A, p.A116T; exon 10: c.1077C>G, p.I359M). Dental defects in 8 prematurely exfoliated primary teeth were analyzed by high resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology. Similarities to the Alpl-/- mouse model of HPP were identified by additional analyses of murine dentoalveolar tissues. Primary teeth from the proband exhibited substantial remaining root structure compared to healthy control teeth. Enamel and dentin densities were not adversely affected in HPP vs. control teeth. However, analysis of discrete dentin regions revealed an approximate 10% reduction in the density of outer mantle dentin of HPP vs. control teeth. All 4 incisors and the molar lacked acellular cementum by micro-CT and histology, but surprisingly, 2 of 3 prematurely exfoliated canines exhibited apparently normal acellular cementum. Based on dentin findings in the proband's teeth, we examined dentoalveolar tissues in a mouse model of HPP, revealing that the delayed initiation of mineralization in the incisor mantle dentin was associated with a broader lack of circumpulpal dentin mineralization. This study describes a quantitative approach to measure effects of HPP on dental tissues. This approach has uncovered a previously unrecognized novel mantle dentin defect in HPP, as well as a surprising and variable cementum phenotype within the teeth from the same HPP subject.

The influence of endodontic rinsing liquids activation methods on the root dentin structure and effectiveness of root canal cleaning

The study was aimed to conduct a morphological assessment of the influence exerted by a certain method of activation of endodontic rinsing liquid on the root dentin structure and canal cleaning effectiveness in an ex vivo experiment. The study was performed on 20 single-rooted teeth removed due to complicated caries in people aged 25-44 years. A devised method of vacuum-jet irrigation was used to carry out the final antiseptic treatment and to activate a rinsing liquid in the group No. 1 (n=10), and an endodontic syringe with ultrasonic activation was used in the group No. 2 (n=10). Optical and scanning electron microscopy data were used to assess dentin histostructure, presence or absence of organic inclusions in the root canal lumens, quality of preparation and contour lines of their sides. An analysis of scans demonstrates that the vacuum-jet irrigation method effectively cleans the root canal lumen in the apical area in 90% of the cases, while irrigation with an endodontic syringe and ultrasound activation has been effective in 67% of the cases. The smear layer throughout the root canals in the samples of the group No. 1 was removed in 100% of the cases. At the same time, the smear layer in the canal apical area was not completely removed in either of the samples of the group No. 2. An analysis of photomicrographs of histotopographic cross sections of the dental roots in group No. 2 under consideration revealed numerous cavities in the circumpulpal dentin, which form nidi of destruction up to 10-15 mcr in diameter merging in the cervical and middle third of the root. At the same time, a typical structure of the circumpulpal dentin with a well-developed network of dentinal tubules and intact peritubular and intertubular matrix was observed throughout the dental roots in the samples of the group No. 1. These investigational studies allow us to conclude that vacuum-jet irrigation of root canals provides better cleaning, completely removes the smear layer and does not damage the root dentin structure.

Morphological patterns of circumpulpal dentin affected by radiation-related caries.

BackgroundThe aim of this work was to evaluate the microscopic characteristics through polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and the mineral content of circumpulpal dentin of irradiated (IT) and non-irradiated teeth (NIT), with deep caries that reached the root canal. Material and MethodsA total of 25 IT were analyzed macroscopically, and radiographed. 5 NIT were used as controls. Two 100-μm-thick sections, per specimen, were evaluated in a polarized light microscopy and a scanning electron microscope. Demographics and clinical data were collected. ResultsThe results did not demonstrate distinct morphology of the IT compared with NIT. Mineral content values by weight percentage of Ca and P were also similar, corresponding to 66.65% and 33.21% in the IT and 66.60% and 33.29% in the NIT. The Ca/P ratio did not show statistical differences between groups being respectively 2.74 and 2.72, in the IT and NIT (p> 0.05). ConclusionsRadiotherapy does not change morphology and mineral content of circumpulpal dentin in IT. Key words:Root canal, radiation-related caries, polarization microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, radiotherapy, oral neoplasms, dentin.

MORPHOLOGIC EVALUATION AND MINERAL CONTENT OF CIRCUMPULPAL DENTIN IN RADIATION-RELATED CARIES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics through polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and the mineral content of circumpulpal dentin of irradiated (IT) and nonirradiated teeth (NIT), with deep caries that reached the root canal. A total of 25 IT were analyzed macroscopically, and radiographed. Five NIT were used as controls. Two 100-μm cuts for evaluation in a scanning electron microscope and polarized light microscopy were performed on each tooth using precision cutter and sanding. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected. The results did not demonstrate distinct morphology of the IT compared with NIT. Mineral content values by weight percentage of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) were also similar, corresponding to 66.65% and 33.21% in the IT and 66.60% and 33.29% in the NIT. The Ca/P ratio did not show statistical differences between groups being respectively 2.74 and 2.72, in the IT and NIT (P > .05). Radiotherapy does not change morphologic and mineral content of circumpulpal dentin in IT.

Breaking crown dentine in whole teeth: 3D observations of prevalent fracture patterns following overload.

Teeth with intact crowns rarely split or fracture, despite decades of cyclic loading and occasional unexpected overload. This is largely attributed to the presence of dentine, since cracking and fracture of enamel have been frequently reported. Dentine is similar to bone, comprising mineralised collagen fibres as a main constituent. Unlike cortical bone, however, where microcracking and damage arrest are essential for re/modelling and healing, dentine can neither remodel nor regenerate. This raises questions regarding the evolutionary benefits of toughening, leading to uncertainty whether cracks actually appear in dentine in situ. Here we study the notion that circumpulpal dentine is usually protected against, rather than damaged by severe overloads, even though it is not much more massive or stronger than it needs to be. To address this, we examined hydrated teeth still within whole jawbones of freshly-slaughtered skeletally mature pigs, mechanically loaded until fracture. Force displacement curves, optical and electron microscopy combined with 3D microstructural analysis by conventional micro-computed tomography (μCT) revealed mostly brittle fracture paths in circumpulpal crown dentine. Once overload cracks reach this mass of dentine they propagate rapidly along straight paths often parallel to the enamel flanks of the oblong shovel shaped premolars. We find infrequent signs of active toughening mechanisms with minimal crack diversion, ligament bridging and microcracking. When such toughening is seen, it mainly appears in softer dentine in the root, or near the dentine-enamel-junction (DEJ) in mantle dentine. We observed shear bands in overloaded circumpulpal dentine, due to mutual gliding of upper and lower segments. These shear bands are formed as periodic arrays of rotated dentine fragments. The 3D data consistently demonstrate the importance of the layered tooth structure, containing a stiff outer enamel shell, a soft sub-DEJ interlayer and a stiff circumpulpal dentine bulk, for deflecting cracks from splitting the tooth.

EDTA conditioning of circumpulpal dentine induces dentinogenic events in pulpotomized miniature swine teeth.

To investigate pulp responses after pulpotomy and EDTA conditioning of pulp chamber dentinal walls with or without the placement of a collagenous scaffold in the experimental model of miniature swine teeth. Forty-two fully developed permanent premolars and molars of healthy miniature swines were used. After preparation of pulp exposures through Class I cavities, the tissue of the pulp chamber was completely removed. The haemorrhage was controlled, and the root pulp was protected using a polyurethane film. The circumpulpal pulp chamber dentine was treated for 3min with normal saline (group 1), or 17% EDTA solution (groups 2 and 3). The film was removed, and the pulp chamber cavities were left empty (groups 1 and 2), or filled with swine collagenous sponge (group 3). The access cavities were restored with a Teflon disc and glass ionomer. Teeth were evaluated histo-morphologically after 10weeks. Data were compared using the nonparametric Fisher's exact test. Teeth after treatment of dentine with saline (group 1) were associated with no or only traces of hard tissue formation along the root canal walls. Atubular tertiary dentine deposition in the form of matrix deposition along root canal walls, or dentine bridge formation at the orifice of root canals or complete pulp canal obliteration, was found after treatment of dentine with EDTA in both experiments (groups 2 and 3). Significantly different types of mineralization in the root canals of groups 2 and 3 were seen (P=0.001). Tissue changes in the pulp cavity, characterized by soft tissue growth and osteodentine or atubular tertiary dentine formation, were only seen after EDTA conditioning of dentine, in 6.2% of the teeth without scaffold and 64.7% of the teeth with scaffold application. Newly deposited mineralized matrix in the pulp chamber was always in continuation with hard tissue deposited in the root canals. The EDTA conditioning of pulp cavity dentinal walls after pulpotomy induced dentinogenic events in the root pulp. Application of collagenous scaffold in the pulp chamber enhanced soft tissue growth and mineralized tissue formation along the treated circumpulpal dentine.

Dental iron precipitates in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a frequent worldwide disease. There are currently more than 46 million people who suffer this disease in North America and the Caribbean. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between DM and the presence of iron precipitates (Fe2+) in dental structure. The third molar was extracted for reasons that merit extraction from 40 individuals with and without DM to analyze dentin tissue. Horizontal and longitudinal slices of tooth samples were made and later stained with 10% potassium cyanoferrate. The samples were observed by optical microscope to identify basophilic elements. A nonparametric Spearman correlation was performed to find an association between the quantitative (gender, group, and dentinal tissue) and qualitative variables (gender). The Mann–Whitney U test was used to find differences in the means of the nonparametric variables in two different groups in relation to the P value (<0.05). Iron elements were found in the predentin and circumpulpal dentin areas, and the results obtained showed a statistically significant difference between dentin tissue from patients with diabetes and those without. Individuals with Type 2 DM are prone to present iron precipitates in predentin and circumpulpal dentin tissue. Few iron elements were found in dental organs of individuals without DM.

Expression of the Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Mutation Leads to Aberrant Dentin Formation

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare accelerated senescence disease, manifesting dental abnormalities and several symptoms suggestive of premature aging. Although irregular secondary dentin formation in HGPS patients has been reported, pathological mechanisms underlying aberrant dentin formation remain undefined. In this study, we analyzed the mandibular molars of a tissue-specific mouse model that overexpresses the most common HGPS mutation (LMNA, c.1824C > T, p.G608G) in odontoblasts. In the molars of HGPS mutant mice at postnatal week 13, targeted expression of the HGPS mutation in odontoblasts results in excessive dentin formation and pulp obliteration. Circumpulpal dentin of HGPS mutants was clearly distinguished from secondary dentin of wild-type (WT) littermates and its mantle dentin by considering the irregular porous structure and loss of dentinal tubules. However, the dentin was significantly thinner in the molars of HGPS mutants at postnatal weeks 3 and 5 than in those of WT mice. In vitro analyses using MDPC-23, a mouse odontoblastic cell line, showed cellular senescence, defects of signaling pathways and consequential downregulation of matrix protein expression in progerin-expressing odontoblasts. These results indicate that expression of the HGPS mutation in odontoblasts disturbs physiological secondary dentin formation. In addition, progerin-expressing odontoblasts secrete paracrine factors that can stimulate odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the aberrant circumpulpal dentin of HGPS mutants results from defects in physiological secondary dentin formation and consequential pathologic response stimulated by paracrine factors from neighboring progerin-expressing odontoblasts.

EFFECTS OF LASER TREATMENT ON INTRACANAL DENTINE AND CEMENTUM AT THE ROOT APEX

Laser irradiation during root canal treatment is efficient but in order to prevent irreversible thermal damage to dentine, cementum and other periapical structures continuous water cooling is required. The aim of this study was to ultrastructurally analyze the surface of intracanal dentine and cementum at the root apex after Er:YAG laser irradiation with and without sterile saline solution irrigation. The study involved 70 intact maxillary and mandibular single-rooted and tworooted human teeth, divided into two experimental groups and one control group. In all teeth access cavity was created. For root canal irradiation, Er:YAG laser with the wavelength of 2940 nm, energy output of 140 mJ per pulse, pulse duration of 125-160 ms, pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz and power of 15 W was used. Total irradiation time for each root canal was 10 seconds. The ultrastructural analysis of intracanal dentine and the cementum of the root apex was done by using scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM-5300 Tokyo Japan). Intracanal Er:YAG laser irradiation without water cooling showed melted circumpulpal dentine with large cracks in it, whereas cementum at the root apex was thermally modified in the form of plates and cracks. Intracanal Er:YAG laser irradiation with continuous water cooling resulted in clean intracanal dentine surface without morphological changes of the cementum. The canal system irradiation is acceptable and possible only when using constant water cooling; otherwise, irreversible thermal damage to intracanal dentine and cementum at the root apex occur.

Ultrastructural organization of dentin in mice lacking dentin sialo-phosphoprotein

Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is the major non-collagenous protein of dentin and plays a significant role in dentin mineralization. Recently, animal models lacking DSPP have been developed and the DSPP KO phenotype has been characterized at the histological level. Little is known, however, about the DSPP KO dentin at nano- and meso-scale. Dentin is a hierarchical material spanning from nano- to macroscale, hence information on the effects of DSPP deficiency at the submicron scale is essential for understanding of its role in dentin biomineralization. To bridge this gap, we have conducted ultrastructural studies of dentin from DSPP KO animals. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of DSPP KO dentin revealed that although the overall ultrastructural organization was similar to the WT, the mineral particles were less organized. Scanning electron microscopy in the back-scattered mode (BS-SEM) of the DSPP KO dentin revealed that circumpulpal dentin comprises large areas of non-mineralized matrix, with numerous spherulitic mineralized inclusions, while the mantle dentin appeared largely unaffected. Analysis of the mineral distribution in the circumpulpal dentin of the DSPP KO mice suggests a reduction in the number of mineral nucleation sites and an increase in the nucleation barrier in DSPP KO dentin. These preliminary results indicate that in addition to the reduction of mineralized and total dentin volume in DSPP KO animals significant changes in the ultrastructural organization exist. These changes are likely related to the role of DSPP in the regulation of mineral formation and organization in dentin.

Hypophosphataemic vitamin D resistant rickets: clinical, radiographic and histologic dental findings

The aim of this study was to describe the dental alterations in two young individuals with hypophosphataemic vitamin D resistant rickets, by means of clinical, radiographic and histologic findings. The main characteristic of the disease is defective bone mineralization. Clinically the patients present short stature and bone deformities and also develops important dental defects, such as retarded tooth eruption, large interglobular spaces in the circumpulpal dentin, microfissures involving enamel and dentin, relatively wide pulp chamber and root canals. The most remarkable characteristic is the presence of periapical abscesses.

Presence of plicidentine in the labial teeth of Hoplias aimara (Erythrinidae; Ostariophysi; Teleostei)

AbstractHoplias aimara is a predatory South American teleostean fish. It has caniniform teeth that show parallel, surface ridges at their base. The dentine of the teeth is divided in two layers: an inner layer of circumpulpal dentine and an external one of pallial dentine, and their apical top has a lightly flattened cap of enameloid. A peculiar specificity of the teeth is the presence of plicidentine in their basal part, which is thought to strengthen the tooth attachment. This is a new example of plicidentine in teleostean teeth following its description in the lingual teeth of the osteoglossid Arapaima gigas. Some other ichthyophagous Characiformes also show caniniformes teeth with plicidentine: Hydrocynus, Hydrolycus. So, in the Actinopterygii, plicidentine is not limited to the lepisosteids only. We interpret plicidentine in the teeth of these actinopterygian fishes as a morphofunctional adaptation to a predatory life style.

Caries detector dyes: Do they stain only the caries?

Objective: Caries detector (CD) dyes aid in caries diagnosis by staining the organic matrix of less mineralized infected dentine. However, detector dyes are not specific to bacteria and can discolor surrounding healthy tissues as dentino-enamel junction or the circumpulpal dentine. Possible discoloring effect of CD dye over restorative materials have not been evaluated until date. The aim of this study was to investigate the staining effects of four commercial CD dyes Caries Detector (CAD), Caries Marker (CAM),SEEK (SEE), Sable Seek (SES) on a variety of tooth colored restorative materials; Filtek Valux Plus (VLX), Filtek Z250 (Z25), Filtek Silorane (SIL) Fuji IX (FUJ). Materials and Methods: A total of 40 disc-shaped specimens were prepared from each restorative material. After 24 h distilled water storage, baseline color was measured according to the Commission International de l'Eclairage L* a* b* system by using a reflection spectrophotometer. Each CD dye was applied to 10 samples of each composite group for 10 s and applications were repeated for 2 times. Before the final color measurements, all samples was rinsed and dried. Color differences (ΔE) were measured and analyzed the data with two-way analysis of variance and Tukey honest significant difference post-hoc tests. Results: Independent of dyes, perceptible color changes were observed in glass ionomer restorative material (FUJ) (ΔE ab * > 3.3). CAD, CAM and SES caused staining on highly triethylene glycol dimethacrylate monomer containing composite resin (VLX). Silorane based restorative material (SIL) and micro hybrid resin composite (Z25) were more resistant to discoloration then VLX and FUJ (P < 0.05). Conclusion: CD dyes may cause discolorations in some restorative materials and should be used with maximum care.

Presence of matrix vesicles in the body of odontoblasts and in the inner third of dentinal tissue: A scanning electron microscopyc study

Objectives: The aim of this report is to present the results of a scanning electron microscopic study on the presence of matrix vesicles (MVs) found in human dentine. Study Design: Dentin tissue from 20 human bicuspids was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Results: MVs were found as outgrowths of the cellular membrane of the odontoblastic body, the more proximal portion of the odontoblastic process before entering the dentinal tubule and in the odontoblastic process within the inner third of the dentin. Size of MVs varied depending on location. In the inner third of dentin, they were seen in diverse positions; as membranal outgrowths, deriving from the odontoblastic process, lying free in the intratubular space and attached to the dentinal wall. Sometimes, they were seen organized forming groups of different sizes and shapes or as multivesicular chains running from the surface of the odontoblastic process to the tubular wall. MVs were present in places never considered: 1) the body of odontoblasts; 2) the most proximal part of the odontoblastic processes before entering the circumpulpal dentine and also: 3) in the inner third of dentinal tissue. Conclusions: According to our results, MVs not only participate during mantle dentin mineralization during early dentinogenesis, they also contribute during the mineralization process of the inner dentin. Key words:Dentin, microvesicles, secretory vesicles, dentin formation, dentin secretion.

Reconstructing the life-time lead exposure in children using dentine in deciduous teeth

Data are presented to demonstrate that the circumpulpal dentine of deciduous teeth can be used to reconstruct a detailed record of childhood exposure to lead. By combining high spatial resolution laser ablation ICP-MS with dental histology, information was acquired on the concentration of lead in dentine from in utero to several years after birth, using a true time template of dentine growth. Time corrected lead analyses for pairs of deciduous molars confirmed that between-tooth variation for the same child was negligible and that meaningful exposure histories can be obtained from a single, multi-point ablation transect on longitudinal sections of individual teeth. For a laser beam of 100μm diameter, the lead signal for each ablation point represented a time span of 42days. Simultaneous analyses for Sr, Zn and Mg suggest that the incorporation of Pb into dentine (carbonated apatite) is most likely controlled by nanocrystal growth mechanisms. The study also highlights the importance of discriminating between primary and secondary dentine and the dangers of translating lead analyses into blood lead estimates without determining the age or duration of dentine sampled. Further work is in progress to validate deciduous teeth as blood lead biomarkers.

Anti-microbial efficiency of silver diamine fluoride as an endodontic medicament - An ex vivo study

Context:Antisepsis achieved through appropriate use of irrigants is essential for endodontic success. Identification of newer anti-bacterial agents gives alternatives to clean the canal as eradication of the infection prior to obturation does affect prognosis.Objective:Comparison of the anti-bacterial action of 3.8% silver diamine fluoride and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate against Enterococcus faecalis in root canals.Materials and Methods:Forty-four single-rooted teeth were decoronated, and the root section was enlarged with peeso-reamer (No: 3) to standardize length and diameter. The samples were then autoclaved and divided into two study groups and two control groups. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was inoculated into all test samples for 72 hours. The samples were enlarged with peeso-reamer (No: 5) after placement of respective medicament for 24 hours. Shavings were collected and inoculated on Brain Heart Infusion agar for 24 hrs to measure the colony forming units.Results:Both 3.8% silver diamine fluoride and 2% chlorhexidine showed a superior capacity to sterilize the root canals than control groups.Conclusion:The use of silver diamine fluoride as an endodontic irrigant is feasible as it can effectively remove the microbes present in the canal and circumpulpal dentin.

Dentin structure composition and mineralization

We review firstly the specificities of the different types of dentin present in mammalian teeth. The outer layers include the mantle dentin, the Tomes' granular and the hyaline Hopewell-Smith's layers. Circumpulpal dentin forming the bulk of the tooth, comprises intertubular and peritubular dentin. In addition to physiological primary and secondary dentin formation, reactionary dentin is produced in response to pathological events. Secondly, we evaluate the role of odontoblasts in dentin formation, their implication in the synthesis and secretion of type I collagen fibrils and non-collagenous molecules. Thirdly, we study the composition and functions of dentin extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules implicated in dentinogenesis. As structural proteins they are mineralization promoters or inhibitors. They are also signaling molecules. Three different forms of dentinogenesis are identified: i) matrix vesicles are implicated in early dentin formation, ii) collagen and some proteoglycans are involved in the formation of predentin, further transformed into intertubular dentin, iii) the distal secretion of some non-collagenous ECM molecules and some serum proteins contribute to the formation of peritubular dentin.

Ultrastructural and histochemical evaluation of appositional mineralization of circumpulpal dentin at the crown- and root-analog portions of rat incisors

Mineralization of circumpulpal dentin has been interpreted in such a way that predentin matrix is abruptly converted to almost fully mineralized dentin at the mineralization front. A group of investigators pointed out the existence of intermediary layer along the mineralization front of rat incisor dentin and claimed that dentin mineralization is a rather transient process. Owing to a paucity of information, however, the entity of transient mineralization of dentin has remained elusive. Here we confirmed the existence of a lightly mineralized layer (LL) along the mineralization front of rat incisor dentin, recognizable by both light and electron microscopy, in routinely processed specimens. LL less than 3µm thick was shown to be located along the mineralization front of crown-analog dentin and tapered out toward the root analog of the incisor. Electron microscopy revealed that mineral deposition first occurred in the non-collagenous matrix of LL and that mineralization of collagen fibers took place sometime later at the conventional mineralization front. Microscopic appearance of the mineral phase of LL varied considerably depending on the histological processing of ultrathin sections, thus explaining the inconsistent interpretation of dentin mineralization in previous studies. These data suggest that mineralization of circumpulpal dentin in rat incisors proceeds in a stepwise or a transient manner, initiated by crystal deposition in the non-collagenous matrix followed by massive mineral deposition in collagen fibers at the mineralization front. The thickness of LL where only the non-collagenous matrix is mineralized may vary in relation to differences in the local non-collagenous matrix and also the rate of collagen mineralization in the respective portions of circumpulpal dentin.

Histological characteristics of newly formed cementum in surgically created one-wall intrabony defects in a canine model.

PurposePeriodontal regenerative therapies for defects created by severe periodontitis are mainly focused on bone regeneration. Although cementum regeneration needs to be better understood, it is believed to play an important role in periodontal regeneration. The first step toward a full understanding of cementum regeneration is to compare repaired cementum to pristine cementum. This study, which used histological techniques, was designed to focus on cementum regeneration and to compare pristine cementum to repaired cementum after surgical procedures with 8 and 24 week healing periods in a canine model.MethodsBuccal and lingual mucoperiosteal flaps of 10 beagle dogs were surgically reflected to create critical-sized defects. Intrabony one-wall defects, of which dimension is 4 mm width and 5 mm depth, were made at the distal aspect of mandibular second premolars and the mesial aspect of mandibular fourth premolars in the right and left jaw quadrants. Animals were sacrificed after 8 and 24 weeks post-surgery for histological specimen preparation and histometric analysis.ResultsThe repaired cementum was composed mostly of acellular cementum and cellular mixed fiber cementum and was thicker in the apical area than in the coronal area. The acellular cementum of the supracrestal area appeared to be amorphous. The newly formed cellular cementum was partially detached from the underlying circumpulpal dentin, which implied a weak attachment between new cementum and dentin, and this split was observed to a lesser extent in the 24 week group than in the 8 week group. The vertical height of the repaired cementum was greater in the 24 week group than in the 8 week group.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, we can conclude that repaired cementum after root planing was mainly acellular cementum and cementum tissue that matured to a shape similar to pristine cementum as the healing progressed from 8 to 24 weeks.