Root Surface Characteristics of Primary Teeth From Children With Prepubertal Periodontitis

Abstract

This study describes the histologic characteristics of root surfaces of primary teeth from children with prepubertal periodontitis (PP). Fifteen primary teeth from 4 children with PP, and 2 control primary teeth from 2 healthy children were examined. Light microscopy revealed normal root surfaces in the control teeth. In contrast, the PP specimens revealed bacteria inside dentin tubules or covering cementum, a cuticle, or resorbed dentin; normal, wider than normal, or hypoplastic cementum; resorption lacunae with various depths; aplastic root resorption; alternate resorption and repair; and active repair. No cementoclasts were found in the resorption lacunae. Scanning electron microscopy revealed intrabony and suprabony root areas, and a "plaque free zone" (PFZ). Colonies of filaments were evident at the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). The suprabony root surfaces had resorption lacunae, isolated short rods, calculus, colonies of filaments, or colonies composed by an heterogeneous bacterial population. The coronal boundary of the PFZ was the border of a sheet-like structure, which included isolated rods or filaments. At the PFZ, isolated filaments and rods, and a fibril matrix were evident. The apical boundary of the PFZ consisted of bundles of soft tissue remnants or the insertion of the periodontal fibers. The intrabony surfaces were mostly covered by soft tissue, which included isolated filaments and short rods. Resorption lacunae with or without soft tissue were also evident in this area. Crystals of calcium oxalate dihydrate and erythrocytes in distinct forms were found at various root areas. The present findings are different from those previously reported for hypophosphatasia specimens.

Root Resorption in Chronic Periodontitis: A Morphometrical Study

“…There are a number of reports about the length and area of resorptions, but these are based on orthodontically treated teeth and consider just two dimensions. [13][14][15][16] Several studies [4][5][6][7][8][17][18][19][20] are based on resorptions observed in healthy teeth as well as those with different types of periodontitis; however, they do not define the level of disease as was done in the current study, and they do not make the same measurements.…”

Herpesvirus‐bacteria synergistic interaction in periodontitis

“…The periodontal breakdown appears to proceed along the path of the cementum hypoplasias . Cementum abnormalities have also been described in generalized juvenile periodontitis and prepubertal periodontitis . A single Hopi American‐Indian adolescent demonstrated generalized juvenile periodontitis and yielded (as the only study person) both cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr virus, presumably in an active stage .…”

“…299 Cementum abnormalities have also been described in generalized juvenile periodontitis 299 and prepubertal periodontitis. 300 A single…”

Severe Periodontitis in a Patient With Hyperoxaluria and Oxalosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…The widespread presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the gingival tissues of patients with oxalosis prompted Fantasia et al 4 to propose a gingival biopsy as an easy and reliable procedure for the documentation of the diagnosis. The presence of calcium oxalate on the root surfaces of teeth is not diagnostic of oxalosis, as calcium oxalate has been found in primary teeth from four systemically healthy children with localized or generalized aggressive periodontitis 20 . The formation of crystals in those cases was attributed either to the protracted fixation in acidic formalin or to the rapid root resorption.…”

“…The presence of calcium oxalate on the root surfaces of teeth is not diagnostic of oxalosis, as calcium oxalate has been found in primary teeth from four systemically healthy children with localized or generalized aggressive periodontitis. 20 The formation of crystals in those cases was attributed either to the protracted fixation in acidic formalin or to the rapid root resorption.…”