Autologous transplantation of deciduous tooth pulp into necrotic young permanent teeth for pulp regeneration in a dog model

Objectives To investigate the potential for pulpal regeneration via autologous transplantation of deciduous tooth pulp into immature necrotic permanent teeth using an experimental dog model. Methods Experimental apical periodontitis was induced in 60 teeth of six Beagle dogs. Following canal disinfection and pulpotomy, autologous deciduous pulp tissue was transplanted into the root canals (n = 30); as controls, contralateral teeth were treated in accordance with the recommendations of the American Association of Endodontists. Radiographic examinations were performed immediately before transplant, as well as 3 and 6 months after transplant. At the 6-month examination, root samples were collected and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were used to examine tissue regeneration. Results Radiographic analysis showed no significant differences in most histopathological parameters examined; however, apical diameter reduction was greater in the experimental group. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the canal walls of the experimental group had newly formed dentin-like tissue with dentinal tubules, while the control group had cementum-like deposits along the canal wall and apical foramina. Conclusions Autologous transplantation may be useful for regeneration of dental pulp in necrotic young permanent teeth.