Extraction Wound Healing After Tooth Fracture in Rats

Abstract

The retention of a large root remnant delayed and altered the healing process within the socket after tooth extraction in young rats. The alveolar crest was resorbed after tooth fracture, and the residual bony ridge was formed by the basal bone as after complete tooth extraction. The root fragment eventually exfoliated from the healing socket was accompanied by and assisted by epithelial proliferation around the root remnant, cementum deposition and widening of the periodontal ligament. Resorption of cementum and dentin occurred during the early phases of healing. Active cementum apposition was characteristic of the later periods of healing. Cementum apposition was observed on the external root surfaces as well as inside the root canal.