Induced periapical lesions in ferret canines: histologic and radiographic evaluation

Abstract

Ferrets have been utilized in endodontic research to study periapical responses. However, various aspects of induction and healing of periapical pathosis in ferrets are unclear. This study evaluated the radiographic and histopathologic features of induced periapical lesions. Periapical pathosis was consistently produced in 8 canines of 2 ferrets by extirpating the pulp, leaving the cavities open for a week, then sealing for 12 weeks. The resulting lesions were evaluated radiographically every two weeks. The animals were then killed and the induced lesions evaluated histologically and histobacteriologically. Four untreated canines from 2 other ferrets were used as controls. Results showed that periapical rarefactions were visible in all teeth in the experimental group within 4 weeks. Histologically, the induced lesions consisted principally of a mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, dominated by macrophages but with numerous lymphocytes. With Brown & Brenn staining, bacteria were demonstrated in the pulp space of teeth in which the lesions were induced and in the apical arborization of the canal system. Only one specimen had bacteria within the periapical lesion.

Oral Examination Results in Rescued Ferrets: Clinical Findings

“…Studies in experimental ferrets showed that pulp exposure led to infection, inflammation, and necrosis of the pulp followed by formation of radiographically detectable periapical lesions as early as 4-weeks after pulp exposure. 9 In the present study, more than 50 % (9 of 15) of all fractured teeth were confirmed to have resulted in exposure of the pulp chamber. Worn and fractured teeth without pulp exposure may also be at risk of endodontic disease.…”

Oral and dental diseases in a population of domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

“…Pulp exposure is considered painful and ferrets were described in experimental studies to develop endodontic disease with associated radiographic signs early after pulp exposure (Fouad et al . ). Interestingly, despite the frequent occurence of (in many cases long‐standing) pulp exposure because of crown‐, crown‐root and root fractures in this study, radiographic signs of endodontic disease (Fiani & Arzi ) were only observed in approximately 30% of the cases.…”

Cells Isolated from Inflamed Periapical Tissue Express Mesenchymal Stem Cell Markers and Are Highly Osteogenic

“…However, the kinetics of the healing of the inflamed tissues, ie, regeneration of bone, is less well understood. Most information known is at histologic and cellular level concerning periapical healing and bone regeneration after surgical procedures or root canal treatment (17–22). There has been no study on the possible existence of stem cells in the apical inflamed tissues in terms of their role in regulation of inflammation and healing.…”