Abstract
Changes in the regenerated microvascular pattern and formation of new bone trabeculae during the healing of wounds that result from extraction of deciduous teeth prior to root resorption were observed stereologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The present study, which produced some interesting findings, featured a combination and comparison of observations using a SEM and histological observations using a light microscope.
Seven crab-eating monkeys with deciduous dentition (approx.1 year old) were used in the present study. Specimens for microvascular plastic injection and for light microscopy observations were prepared and observed at 1,3,5,7,14,21 and 42 days after extraction.
Over the first three days after extraction, the blood supply from the tooth germ toward the center of the extraction socket through the pre-existing vascular network was observed in the interface with the permanent tooth germ. The blood supply from the tooth germ gradually decreased over time and an independent vascular network was established in each permanent tooth germ and in the extraction socket 7 days after extraction. Several studies have reported that following extraction, resorption of the bone trabeculae (porosity) was able to be observed in the lower layer of the extraction socket and that the bone trabeculae had become compact in the socket marginal zone. In contrary to this, I did not observe any compact bone covering the socket marginal zone 42 days after extraction. This was possibly a result of the bone structure being altered due to the loss of bite force following tooth extraction. In addition, as the subjects were young and still in the developmental stages this may also reflect the influence of the ongoing growth of the jaws and the eruption of permanent teeth. I, thus, concluded that a difference exists in the healing process of extraction wounds between deciduous and permanent teeth.
