Histological and Radiographical Evaluation of Deciduous Teeth during Shedding (Human and Experimental Study)

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the process of deciduous teeth shedding histologically and radiographically. METHODS: The design of the present study included both human and experimental animals. A total number of twenty human primary teeth, aged 8–10 years, were collected for light microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, ten nameless copies of dental/occlusal X-rays of children aged 9–10 years were used to measure the radicular dentin radiodensity. For the experimental part, 4-month-old beagles were used for histological examination of the process of shedding in situ. RESULTS: Histologically, the decalcified beagles deciduous teeth specimens showed deep resorption fossae occupied with many odontoclasts together with periodontal ligaments disorganization. Furthermore, SEM examination of human exfoliated teeth revealed variable-sized plentiful resorption lacunae with irregular edges. Interestingly, radiographic examination of the human deciduous teeth at late resorption stage revealed significant decrease in radicular dentin radiodensity. CONCLUSION: Shedding is a complex physiological process that involves intermittent resorption of deciduous teeth supporting tissues together with significant decrease in root dentin radiodensity at late root resorption stage in comparison to other various stages of root resorption.