The Effect of EMD Application for Intentional Replantation of Periodontally Involved Teeth in Dogs

Background: Intentional replantation of periodontally involved teeth has been reported to result in unfavorable healing like root resorption and ankylosis. However, many recent clinical reports using enamel matrix derivative (EMD) showed a good outcome based on clinical and radiographic examination. However, histological findings are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate healing after intentional replantation with EMD in a periodontally involved teeth model. Methods: A total of 20 incisors from seven beagle dogs were used. The periodontal ligament and cementum 5 mm from the coronal part of the roots were removed, whereas those in the apical part were preserved. Ten teeth of the experimental group were transplanted following application of EMD to the root surface. Ten teeth from the control group were transplanted without application. Eight weeks after transplantation, periodontal healing was analyzed. Results: Surface root resorption in the experimental group was significantly greater than in the control. New cementum formation was observed near the apical end of the planed root of the EMD group. Replacement resorption of the EMD group was significantly less than in the control. There was no significant difference in inflammatory resorption between groups. Conclusion: The combination use of EMD in intentional replantation resulted in new cementum formation on the root planed surface and inhibited root resorption and ankylosis. However, root resorption occurred at the coronal part in areas where the surface was root planed.