The effects of overfilled polyethylene tube intraosseous implants in rats

Polyethylene tubes obturated flush at one end overfilled 2 mm. at the opposite end with unset Grossman's cement and gutta-percha were implanted in rat tibias. Microscopic evaluation of the specimens revealed that (1) the gutta-percha, Grossman's sealer, and polyethylene tubing are well tolerated by rat intraosseous tissue and (2) a canal overextended 2 mm. beyond the apex with Grossman's cement and gutta-percha produces an early mild to moderate inflammatory response which resolves by the end of 30 day's. The overfillings did not significantly compromise the healing of rat intraosseous tissue.