Vital apicoectomy of the teeth: a 1-4 week histopathological study in Macaca mulatta.

Several studies have reported devitalization of teeth following surgical procedures in the area of the root apices. The purpose of this investigation was to observe the 1-4-week wound healing pattern in monkey dental tissues following intentional vital apicoectomy (IVA). Two adult Macaca mulatta were used in this study. All of the teeth were surgically transected within the apical one-third with a bur. The soft tissues were then closed. At death, a maxillary and a mandibular quadrant for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks following surgery were obtained after vascular perfusion. Each quadrant was demineralized in EDTA, processed, serially sectioned at 7 microns and alternately stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Preece's modified trichome, and McKay's bacterial stains. Examination of sequential IVA cuts showed an initial disruption of the pulpal neurovascular supply resulting in pulpal necrosis. The pulpal tissues underwent a process of replacement with PDL-like connective tissues and deposition of cementum on all cut dentin surfaces of the tooth roots as well as in some of the pulp chambers. No abscesses, external resorption or ankylosis were found.