A model for experimental endodontics by transplanting human dental roots subcutaneously to rats

In 35 roots from extracted human teeth the pulp tissue was removed and the specimens autoclaved before being transplanted subcutaneously to rats. The animals were sacrificed 7, 14, 21, 90 and 140 d after transplantation and the skin and subcutaneous tissue containing the transplants were prepared for histologic examination. The human roots were well tolerated by the rats with a fibrillar connective tissue capsule surrounding the specimens. In the 90-d and 14-d groups a few root surfaces exhibited small resorption lacunae. The empty root canals became slowly occupied by a maturing granulation tissue occasionally containing foci of lymphocytes. After 140 d the canal tissue was still highly vascular with multinuclear giant cells occasionally located along the dentin walls but no internal resorption was recorded. It is concluded that this model may be useful for systematic testing of root filling materials concomitant with human studies.