The application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has recently been reported to be effective in periodontal regeneration. EMD appears to induce both periodontal tissue and calcified tissue. Both experimentally and clinically, EMD has been recognized as useful in tooth replantation and autotransplantation.
Dental implant and autotransplantation have been used in the recovery of missing teeth. These procedures may also be effective for orthodontic treatment.
The objective of the present study was to determine if EMD could affect root resorption and the loss of functional epithelium after tooth autotransplantation.
In 4 adult male beagle dogs, bilateral maxillary first and second premolars (Pl and P2) were extracted with forceps. P1 and P2 on one side of each animal, were transplanted to the sockets of P1 and P2 on the other side, with EMD treatment (treated side), while P1 and P2 on the contralateral side of each animal were transplanted in the same fashion without EMD treatment (control side). During 2 weeks after splinting with composite resin, the animals were fed a soft diet. All animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after autotransplantation, and dissected specimens around maxillary P1 and P2 were decalcified by a conventional method. The specimens were cut sagittally, including the crown cusp and root apex of P1 and P2, and tissue sections were evaluated histologically. Using each tissue section, the crown root ratio was determined, and the root resorption rate was defined as the area of root resorption/total root area including cementum × 100(%), and it was calculated by two dimensional computer analysis.
Statistically significant differences were found between EMD-treated and non-treated groups in tooth mobility as measured by PeriotestR and the crown root ratio. However, there was no difference in the root resorption rate (average 2%) among the four groups examined (EMD-P1,EMD+P1, EMD-P2, EMD+P2).
These results suggest that the application of EMD stimulated the regenerative potential of connective tissue, such as periodontium and gingiva. However, EMD-treatment did not stimulate the regenerative potential of calcified tissue, such as cementum and alveolar bone.
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