HISTOPATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE DENTAL GRANULOMA

A PRELIMINARY REPORT

¹ Adjunct Dentist, Mount Sinai and Montefiore Hospitals, New York City

As a preliminary survey, over two hundred dental granulomata at the apices of teeth were examined histopathologically. Of these, at least 45 per cent were found to be devoid of any epithelial tissue. There is definite histological evidence that the epithelium present in some of these granulomata is derived from the remnants of the epithelial sheath of Hertwig.

The presence of Russell fuchsin bodies has undoubtedly some definite significance, possibly as degenerative types of plasma cells and diagnostic of chronic productive inflammation of this specialized tissue.

From the standpoint of focal infection there is undoubtedly no question that bacteria or their toxins are not limited by the fibrous capsule. Histopathological evidence, in the form of a capillary network in the capsule, shows that there is a direct communication between the inner part and the circulation.

Since epithelial rests have been demonstrated in normal peridental tissue, and it is impossible to differentiate clinically or radiographically between a simple granuloma and epitheliated forms, the removal of all granulomata is indicated from'the standpoint of therapy.

Note:

The author wishes to express to Dr. A. Furedi, of Dr. Theodor Blum's Laboratory, his sincere appreciation of the preparation of some of the pathological slides.