Periodontal ligament anaesthesia--effect on root cementum in homo

The use of intraligamental anaesthesia has increased during recent years. Experiments performed on animals have demonstrated a certain risk for development of reversible root surface damage as a result of this method. The aim of this study was to examine histologically the effect of intraligamental anaesthesia on root surfaces in homo. The study included 26 children who, for orthodontic reasons, were to have two homologous premolars extracted from the upper jaw. The teeth were extracted at one day, one week, one month and two months after intraligament injection, and were then examined histologically. Six of 39 test surfaces exhibited root surface changes, compared to none of the 39 control surfaces. The observed changes seemed to be reversible as a reparative process could be seen after one month. The study indicated that intraligamental anaesthesia may be recommended for young individuals having a healthy periodontium.