The Vascularity of the Incisor Pulp of the Monkey and its Alteration by Tooth Retraction

Abstract

The vascularization of monkey incisors has been outlined best by perfusing India Ink through the vessels. Arteries pass from the alveolar bone into the apical pulp, then straight through the pulp, giving off branches which extend toward the dentine and which continue as the capillaries. The capillaries form loops, many of which reach into the odontoblastic layer. The blood is returned to numerous dilated vessels which converge in the apical pulp into smaller and fewer veins. The latter are continuous around the root end, usually the labial side, with veins of the periodontal membrane. A force of 250 g. directed on the long axis of the teeth with large apical foramina pushed them with sufficient force to strangulate the veins and interfere with the arterial supply of the pulp. There was more danger of altering the vascular drainage by tipping the tooth labially. Vessels of teeth with small apical foramina were seldom strangulated, apparently because of their form and more secure periodontal anchorage.