Lindskog, S.; Blomlof, L.; Hammarstrom, L: Cellular Coloniztion of Denuded Root Surfaces in vivo: Cell Morphology in Dentin Resorption and Cementum Repair. J Clin. Periodontol., 14: 390-395, 1987.

Purpose:

Follow the initial cellular colonization of denuded toot surfaces of replanted teeth.

Material & Methods:

• 14 upper and lower incisors from 3 monkeys were extracted.
• A cavity removing cementum and dentin was made on the mesial surface of the roots.
• Teeth replanted.
• Two teeth from each monkey were extracted after 1 day, 3 days, and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks.
• Teeth were subjected to scanning electron microscopic observation.

Results:

• 1 day: Macrophases colonization in the experimental cavities after replantation.
• 3 days: Resorption lacunae containing a fibrous network were observed. Large cell with resorption capacity were attached to the fibrous tissue.
• Long fibroblast - like cells were observed colonizing the area. The resorbing cells in the center of the cavities gradually disappeared as the advancing front of the fibroblast - like cell approached.
• 1 week: Cavities covered by a monolayer of fibroblasts that appeared to be synthesizing fibers.
• 6 weeks: Entire cavity was covered by a monolayer of fibroblast- like cells.
• Cavities revealed that a mineralized tissue had been formed under the covering layer of fibroblast-like cells; this mineralized tissue resembled normal cementum surface peripheral to the cavities.

Conclusion:

• Cementum wound with a denuded dentin surface is rapidly colonized by macrophage - like clastic cells which resorb the dentin in limited areas.
• The resorptive activity is gradually inhibited by ingrowth of cells forming reparative cementum from the periphery of wounded area.
• Wound repair on the root surface depends on the differentiation and proliferation of pre-cementoblasts in the periphery of the wound.
• Mesenchymal cells in the main body of periodontal membrane are of little significance in the healing of the root surface.

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