Experimental transplantation of mature molar teeth with and without the supporting structures in mice

Two types of dental isografts were implanted into the femoral bone of inbred mice: type A, encompassing mature maxillary molars including supporting structure and type B, consisting of the tooth alone. The isografts, together with their host tissues, were examined histologically beginning at day 1 and continuing until day 42 posttransplantation. In both types, the cellular components underwent necrosis with subsequent repopulation of the pulp and periodontal ligament of the graft. A new bony socket formed and partial resorption and ankylosis started on day 10 of transplantation. It is suggested that the host cells present in the periodontal ligament are responsible for the ankylosis and resorption of the tooth root surface.