Experimental Amelotomy

Abstract

Previous studies on the effects of surgical removal of the dental papilla of partially formed teeth, demonstrated that calcification of the enamel was arrested. In order to investigate further source and mechanism of enamel calcification, the enamel organ was surgically removed from the incisal half of partially formed teeth of dogs. Specimens were taken at subsequent periods. This report deals only with the ground section study. Examination of control specimens at the age of experimentation shows that, in the matrix state, the pattern of calcification follows that of formation. Similar specimens stained with von Kossa, suggest that the dentinal tubules are the purveyors of calcifying elements. Amelotomized teeth, permitted to erupt, showed incomplete formation of the incisal half of the enamel, due naturally to removal of the enamel organ, the source of the organic matrix. However, clinical, histologic and soft X-ray examination demonstrates that enamel calcification of the exptl. area is complete. All exptl. teeth were malposed, erupting lingually to the arches.