Page 664 - My FlipBook

662 PLANTATION OF TEETH.
to loosening'. This result is probably due to the resorption of those
areas of contact between the tootli and its artificially formed alveolus
\vliore the greatest amount of pressure is exerted. The period of
loosening is generally quickly followed by a ])rogressively increasing
firmness and immobility of the tooth caused by calcification of the
exudate thrown out by the walls of the alveolus in the process of I'epair
of the surgical injury to which it has been subjected by the operation.
Planted teeth, when lost, are lost as a rule as a result of resorption of
their roots. The process seems analogous to the resorption of the
roots of deciduous teeth. Present records seem to indicate that re-
sorption of the roots is slowest in progress in replanted teeth ; it is
more ra})id in transplanted teeth, and most rapid in implanted teeth.
Intelligent observation over replantations and transplantations extends
from twenty to forty years. The observation of Dr. Younger of
implanted cases extends at this writing to about twelve years, and he
has had successful cases under observation which have remained in the
mouth over ten years. The writer has the records of cases which have
remained and done good service for ten years.