Effect of altered occlusal function on transseptal ligament and new bone thicknesses in the periodontium of the rat

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Abstract
Alteration of tooth function is assumed to change stress/strain on the adjacent alveolar bone and its mucoperiosteum, producing changes in morphology similar to those described for other load-bearing bones. The present study suggested that crestal alveolar bone and its mucoperiosteum respond differently to stress/strain than load-bearing bones in other locations, possibly due to differences in the mechanism of bone loading by muscles and teeth. Occlusal hypofunction was initiated by extraction of agonist teeth; the contralateral teeth were placed in hyperfunction by the surgery. Untreated animals were also studied. 3H-proline was injected, animals were killed 1–5 weeks later, and the thicknesses of new bone and transseptal ligament were measured. After 5 weeks of altered function, total thickness (new bone + transseptal ligament) was similar in untreated and in hypofunctional and hyperfunctional situations; however, a new ratio between transseptal ligament and new bone thicknesses was established. Occlusal force was negatively correlated with new bone and positively correlated with transseptal ligament thickness; both thicknesses were statistically correlated in each functional situation (PPP<0.001). Tissue responses assure appropriate support for the teeth in each functional situation.