In vitro development of lower first molars from the osteopetrotic microphthalmic (mi) mouse.

While the precise mechanism of tooth eruption remains unknown it has been established that for tooth eruption to occur a functioning dental follicle is essential and normal bone resorption is required. In the osteopetrotic microphthalmic (mi) mouse, teeth fail to erupt and development is affected. In the present study, an organ culture technique was established to culture successfully lower first molars from normal and affected mi mice so as to determine if developmental defects were intrinsic to the dental tissue or whether such defects were a result of local environmental factors. Tissue was cultured for up to 13 days and development assessed morphologically at varying time intervals using standard light microscopy. Teeth developed similarly in both animal groups studied. The only variation in the appearance of cultured tissue occurred in the cervical loop region with more curling evident in dental tissue from the affected animals. The results of this study therefore showed that dental tissue from both normal and affected mi mice can be cultured for up to 13 days and that there is no difference in their development. It would appear that these teeth have the same ability to develop and consequently erupt, however the local environment influences tooth development and alters the eruption potential.