Maxillary molars were extracted, and decalcified or devitalized prior to subcutaneous implantation in the same animals. All molar implants attracted large numbers of leukocytes during the first week of implantation. After two weeks small basophilic mononuclear cells appeared which penetrated the dentinal tubules of decalcified molars and were associated with considerable resorption of dentin and predentin. Giant cells were not usually observed near decalcified molars, but large numbers of them were attracted to FDNB treated molars. Giant cells appeared in moderate numbers around devitalized molars and were associated with resorption of intact root surfaces after 56 days. The significance of these results is discussed. Copyright © 1968 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.