# Histological Analysis of Root Surface Treatment with Tetracycline and Ampicillin in the Repair Process of Rat Teeth Subjected to Delayed Replantation

## TL;DR

This study found that using ampicillin or tetracycline on rat teeth during replantation helps reduce root resorption and improves healing, with ampicillin being more effective.

## Contribution

The study introduces the use of topical ampicillin and tetracycline for root surface treatment in delayed replantation of teeth.

## Key findings

- Ampicillin and tetracycline reduced root resorption compared to the dry medium group.
- Ampicillin showed better results in reducing inflammatory resorption and improving ligament reattachment.
- No significant differences were found between immediate replantation and antibiotic-treated groups in repair outcomes.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Avulsion is a major cause of tooth loss, and its treatment involves replantation. This study analyzed the repair process of incisive teeth subjected to delayed replantation after topical treatment with ampicillin and tetracycline. Methods: Forty male rats were equally divided into four groups: immediate replantation (IM), ampicillin (AM), tetracycline (TR), and dry medium (SE). In the IM group, replantation was performed 5 min after experimental avulsion, whereas in the SE group, the teeth were kept in a dry medium for 60 min. In the AM and TR groups, the teeth were stored in whole bovine milk for 60 min, and then immersed in their respective ampicillin and tetracycline solutions for 5 min. Euthanasia was performed 60 days after the experimental surgery. Histological slides were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin for quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed among the IM, AM, and TR groups regarding the total resorption area, reattached periodontal ligament fibers, and ankylosis. However, when compared to the SE group, these groups exhibited a smaller total resorption area (IM: p = 0.005; AM: p = 0.0007; TR: p = 0.03), a larger area of periodontal ligament fibers reattachment (IM: p = 0.0002; AM: p = 0.0002; TR: p = 0.02), and a lower presence of ankylosis (IM: p = 0.005; AM: p = 0.0002; TR: p = 0.03). The AM group exhibited the smallest inflammatory resorption. Conclusions: It is concluded that, in an aseptic environment, the use of topical antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline in the treatment of the root surface during replantation of teeth stored in milk is beneficial to the periodontal repair process and root resorption. Notably, ampicillin demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating inflammatory root resorption and better periodontal ligament reattachment.