The purpose of this study is to evaluate at which stage of tooth germ would develop into normal calcification
and hence to increase the success rate of transplantation. Therefore, tooth germs on the 15th,
17th embryonic day and the 3rd day of birth were separated for allotransplantation into maxilla of adult
rat of 11 weeks. Calcification processes were analyzed radiographically and histopathologically at 4 weeks
and 8 weeks after allotransplantation. The results are as follows:
1. Allotransplanted tooth germ at 4 weeks and 8 weeks showed delayed calcification compared to that
of normal odontogenesis.
2. At 4 weeks, abnormal calcified tissue, such as odontoma and ankylosis of osteodentin with surrounding
alveolar bone were observed.
3. At 8 weeks, allotransplanted tooth germs of the 15th and 17th embryonic day showed calcification
and osteodentin surrounded by periodontal ligament.
4. At 8 weeks, allotransplanted tooth germs of the 3rd day of birth showed calcification composed of cementum
and osteodentin.
In this study, we observed small sized and amorphous calcified tissue from allotropic allotransplantation
of tooth germs. Since these calcified tissue were underdeveloped and shaped irregularly, for calcification
into normal tooth form, further study needs consideration about the reduction of surgical trauma,
developmental stage of transplanted tooth germ, blood supply from recipient site, fixation method in
transplanted site and period of transplantation