Radiographic and Histologic Evaluation of Experimentally Induced Severe Intrusive Luxation of Immature Teeth in Rats

Introduction: The aim of this study was to establish an intrusive luxation model in rats and observe the pulpal and periodontal outcomes.

Methods: The intrusion was experimentally induced by an application of 20-N force on the occlusal surface of maxillary right second molar along the tooth axial using a striking instrument in 3-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirty rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 5) and were sacrificed after 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days of the surgery. The occurrence of pulpal and periodontal complications was observed by micro-computed tomographic scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results: All experimental teeth were fully intruded into the alveolar bone with their occlusal surface located at the cervical level of the adjacent first molar. Spontaneous re-eruption initiated at 7 days. At 14 days, 4 teeth (80%, 4/5) partially re-erupted, whereas 2 (40%), 3 (75%), and 4 (100%) teeth completely re-erupted at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. Pulp degeneration and inflammation mainly occurred in 4 teeth at 3 days, 5 at 7 days, and 2 at 14 days; after 14 days, pulp calcification was observed in 8 teeth. Ankylosis and replacement root resorption mainly occurred in 1 tooth at 30 days, 2 teeth at 60 days, and 3 at 90 days. Marginal bone loss was observed in 3 teeth (60%) at 30 days, 3 (75%) at 60 days, and 2 (50%) at 90 days.

Conclusions: An animal model of intrusive dentoalveolar trauma was successfully established in rats. Pulpal and periodontal complications similar to clinical tooth intrusion were observed, which provided a basis for exploring the mechanisms of complications in the future.