Effect of masticatory stimulation on dentoalveolar ankylosis after experimental tooth replantation

Abstract
Dentoalveolar ankylosis (replacement resorption) is a serious complication after replantation of avulsed teeth. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of masticatory stimulation on dentoalveolar ankylosis after replantation of avulsed teeth. Monkey upper incisors were extracted, air‐dried for 1 h, endodontically treated and replanted. No splinting was used. One group of monkeys was given hard pelleted food, while another group was given soft diet during a healing period of 8 wk. The periodontal conditions were evaluated histologically with a morphometrical method. The replanted teeth of the monkeys given the hard pelleted food had significantly less ankylosis and a larger area of the root surrounded by a normal periodontal membrane than the teeth from the monkeys given a soft diet. In conclusion, development of ankylosis seemed to be partially prevented or reduced by masticatory stimulation.