Resorbing potential of different connective tissue types.

Pieces of dentin were implanted into five different connective tissues in rats and examined with scanning electron microscopy after observation periods of up to 2 weeks. Dentin-oclast-like cells, apparently involved in resorption of the implants, were only seen associated with periosteum and periodontal membrane. These findings indicate that the resorbing potential of connective tissues is related to their ability to induce bone formation.