Biologic responses of the pulp to single-tooth dento-osseous osteotomy.

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate biologic responses of the pulp to single-tooth dento-osseous osteotomy and to explore an appropriate level of transverse bone resection for maintaining biologic activity of the pulp in monkeys.

Study Design: The levels of transverse bone resection were designed at approximately 10 mm (10 mm group) and 5 mm (5 mm group) above the apices. Histologic and histomorphometric changes were evaluated microscopically, and changes in blood flow in the pulp were also measured in terms of vascular responses to a vasoconstrictor (noradrenaline, NA).

Results: Vacuolar degeneration in the pulp chamber associated with less number of the pulp cells were more prominent in the 5 mm group, and the response of blood flow to NA was maintained better in the 10-mm group.

Conclusion: It is shown in this 8-week experiment that biologic activity of the pulp is much better preserved in the 10-mm group than in the 5-mm group, whereas the pulpal response may become similar if observed for a longer period.