Development of intraosseous fibers of the mouse periodontium: a high-voltage electron microscopic study.

Development of intraosseous fibers was studied in mandibles of Swiss white mice, age 17 days to 45 days. Light microscopic (LM) and high-voltage electron microscopic (HVEM) techniques were used. In LM, Wilder's reticular stain revealed intraosseous fibers throughout the interdental septum by day 17. fibers were composed of unit collagen fibrils with abundant interfibrillar matrix. As development proceeded, fibers exhibited less interfibrillar matrix. Channels surrounding the intraosseous fibers became evident. Anchoring fibers attached the intraosseous fiber to bone. Fibroblasts appeared to be absent, suggesting that maintenance of the intraosseous fiber might be the function of the osteocyte. The presence of intraosseous fibers suggested a reevaluation of the fibrous attachment of teeth to bone. The concept of intraosseous fibers may simplify concepts of tooth movement and approximal drift.