Histopathological features of dental pulp in teeth with different levels of chronic periodontitis severity

Purpose. To evaluate the histopathological condition of the pulp in teeth with different levels of chronic periodontitis in humans. Methods. Twenty-five single-root nondecayed teeth were divided into three groups as follows: group 1, clinical attachment level (CAL) 3 to 4 mm and alveolar bone loss (BL) from 4 to 6 mm without reaching the tooth apex; group 2, CAL ≥ 5 mm and BL > 6 mm without reaching the tooth apex; group 3, CAL ≥ 5 mm and BL > 6 mm up to the tooth apex. Histological analyses were accomplished after laboratorial processing. Results. The mean of CAL was 3.2 ± 0.7 mm in group 1, 7.6 ± 2.0 mm in group 2, and 12.1 ± 2.8 mm in group 3, while for BL it was 4.8 ± 0.9 mm, 7.6 ± 2.2 mm, and 11.9 ± 2.1 mm, respectively. Histopathological data in the pulpal chambers were similar among the three groups showing normal aspects, and, the radicular pulps showed variable levels of reactive dentin, fibrosis, dystrophic mineralizations, atrophy, and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusions. Gradual progression of the chronic periodontitis led to changes in the histopathological aspects of the radicular pulp with progressive involvement.