Intentional retention of vital submerged roots in dogs

In this study, intact and untreated roots of twelve teeth in three dogs were submerged 2 mm. below the alveolar bone crest. On eight regeneration of alveolar bone was seen in 3 weeks, with complete bone coverage in 5 weeks. A complete lamina dura surrounded the buried roots, the original root canal tissue remained vital, and vessels and other structures now entered (or exited) from both ends. Cementum covered the cut end, making the end similar to a normal apex. Bone failed to regenerate completely over four of the twelve roots. Two of these had dentinal spicules which impeded complete bone coverage (Fig 9). Another was a case of delayed healing due to the early loss of sutures and subsequent infection where a sinus tract developed, connecting the oral environment with the resected root. This led to bone resorption and a partial pulp necrosis. In the fourth case the decreased depth of root burial and subsequent lack of bone cover led to external resorption of the cut dentin. Histologic examination after 12 weeks revealed the regeneration of bone, a regenerated periodontal membrane, and a layer of cementoblasts over the cut and exposed root dentin in a typical manner. This study suggests that when healthy bone and roots are present, particularly in an otherwise edentulous mandible retaining only a few nonrestorable anterior teeth, the roots can be retained in a nonpathologic state by means of a simple surgical technique.