Characterization of root surface periodontal ligament following avulsion, severe intrusion or extraction: preliminary observations.

This study employed novel topographic and histological techniques to assess remaining periodontal ligament (PDL) in a convenience sample of avulsed and intruded human permanent incisors and extracted premolars. Seventeen human teeth (eight avulsed, five severely intruded and four uninjured extracted) were evaluated for the distribution and physical characteristics of adherent root surface PDL. The topographic distribution of PDL was assessed by staining roots with malachite green and determining the proportion of remaining PDL within selected regions on four aspects of each tooth.