Histometric study of root resorption on human premolars following experimental replantation.

A histometric method was applied for evaluation of root resorption in 57 experimentally replanted teeth and 22 controls. Representative axiobuccolingual sections were selected for measurement of resorptions at a magnification of x 40. The frequency of root resorption in the control teeth was low. In replanted teeth marked resorptive activity elicited by the trauma appeared after 2 wk. The extent of active resorptions increased until the third postoperative week. On an average 14% of the root periphery was affected at this stage. After the sixth postoperative week progressive cement deposition took place in the resorption lacunae. Incidental ankylosis of the periodontal membrane also occurred from this observation time but there was no increase among the long-term groups.