Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the ultrastructure of the dento-gingival border at replanted teeth and implants. Material and methods: Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were divided into groups for replantation and implantation experiments. In the former, the upper right first molars were extracted and then immediately replanted. In the latter, pure titanium implants were used. All tissues were fixed, demineralized and embedded in epoxy resin for ultrastructural observations. Results: One week after replantation, the junctional epithelium was lost, and the oral sulcular epithelium covered the enamel surface. The amount of the epithelium increased in 2 weeks, and resembled the junctional epithelium, and the internal basal lamina and hemidesmosomes were formed in 4 weeks. One week after implantation peri-implant epithelium was formed, and in 2 and 4 weeks this epithelium with aggregated connective tissue cells were observed. In 8 weeks the peri-implant epithelium receded, and aligned special cells with surrounding elongated fibroblasts and bundles of collagen fibers appeared to seal the implant interface. Conclusion: In replantation of the tooth the internal basal lamina remained at the 2 surface of the enamel of the replanted tooth which is likely to be related to regeneration of the junctional epithelium and the attachment apparatus at the epithelium-tooth interface. Following implantation, a layer of cells with characteristics of connective tissue cells, but no junctional epithe lium and attachment apparatus, was formed to seal the site of the implant.
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