Repair processes in the periodontium following dentoalveolar ankylosis: the effect of masticatory function

It has recently been shown that administration of the drug 1‐hydroxy‐ethylidene‐1,1‐bisphosphonate (HEBP) perturbs the homeostasis in the periodontal ligament resulting in an osteoid‐mediated ankylosis between the alveolar wall and the root surface. In the present study, the events after discontinuing HEBP administration were investigated and the effect of function on repair of the periodontal ligament was evaluated. In mice, the maxillary left molars were extracted. They then received a daily subcutaneous injection of HEBP (10 mg P/kg b.w.) for a period of 50 days, were killed 24 h, 14, 28, 56 and 112 days after the last injection and their mandibles processed for light microscopy. HEBP administration caused a significant decrease of the width of the periodontal ligament space with localized ankylosis. In the period after discontinuing HEBP treatment, the newly‐formed bone did first mineralize and was then partly resorbed resulting in the disappearance of the ankylotic areas. Furthermore, root resorption was seen. Finally, the periodontal ligament regained its normal architecture and width and a new layer of cementum was formed. Functional teeth showed more root resorption than hypofunctional ones and a more rapid repair of the periodontal ligament. It is concluded that in the period after HEBP treatment the periodontal ligament regains its normal width by a repair process including extensive root resorption, that seems to accelerate this process.