Radiographic and Histologic Evaluation of Experimentally Induced Severe Intrusive Luxation of Immature Teeth in Rats.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to establish an intrusive luxation model in rats and observe the pulpal and periodontal outcomes.

METHODS

The intrusion was experimentally induced by an application of 20-N force on the occlusal surface of maxillary right second molar along the tooth axial using a striking instrument in 3-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirty rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 5) and were sacrificed after 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days of the surgery. The occurrence of pulpal and periodontal complications was observed by micro-computed tomographic scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

RESULTS

All experimental teeth were fully intruded into the alveolar bone with their occlusal surface located at the cervical level of the adjacent first molar. Spontaneous re-eruption initiated at 7 days. At 14 days, 4 teeth (80%, 4/5) partially re-erupted, whereas 2 (40%), 3 (75%), and 4 (100%) teeth completely re-erupted at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. Pulp degeneration and inflammation mainly occurred in 4 teeth at 3 days, 5 at 7 days, and 2 at 14 days; after 14 days, pulp calcification was observed in 8 teeth. Ankylosis and replacement root resorption mainly occurred in 1 tooth at 30 days, 2 teeth at 60 days, and 3 at 90 days. Marginal bone loss was observed in 3 teeth (60%) at 30 days, 3 (75%) at 60 days, and 2 (50%) at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

An animal model of intrusive dentoalveolar trauma was successfully established in rats. Pulpal and periodontal complications similar to clinical tooth intrusion were observed, which provided a basis for exploring the mechanisms of complications in the future.