Adhesion of human periodontal ligament cells by three-dimensional culture to the sterilized root surface of extracted human teeth.

Residual periodontal ligament (PDL) and cement mass on the roots of extracted teeth are factors that considerably affect tooth transplantation. Therefore, when normal extracted teeth are used for autologous transplantation, it is necessary to regenerate the PDL of the root surface. Here we describe a method to examine human PDL cell adhesion on sterilized root surfaces. Sample teeth were extracted during orthodontic treatment. PDL cells were obtained from healthy periodontal tissue explants from teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. We developed a method for adhering PDL cells to sterile root surfaces using three-dimensional culture for 3 weeks. We evaluated the adhesion of human PDL cells to the sterilized root surfaces biochemically and histologically. The adherent PDL cells presented new projections on the sterile root surfaces. Therefore, PDL cells can adhere to sterile root surfaces.