Apical hard-tissue deposition in adult teeth of monkeys with use of calcium hydroxide.

The anterior teeth of five adult monkeys were divided into two groups. In one group the pulps were removed and the teeth were left open to oral fluids. The other group had vital pulps. Five teeth were designated as controls. The pulp canals of both groups were debrided, filed, and flushed thoroughly. In the two experimental groups (vital and pulpless), the apical third of the canal was filled with Ca(OH)2. In the control group no medication was placed in the canal. The coronal access of the canals of all groups was sealed with amalgam. After 270 to 330 days, the teeth were sectioned and examined histologically. No apical bridging was observed in any group.