Abstract
We assessed age-related excisional palatal mucoperiosteal wound closure in rats. A 4.2 mm diameter punch was used to create a secondary healing defect in the palate of Wistar rats. Study group—21, 18-month-old vs. control 21, 2-month-old males. The 2-dimensional area, maximum length and width of the soft tissue defect served as clinical outcome parameters. The dynamics of the initial three healing weeks were assessed. Semi-quantitative histomorphometric analysis of inflammation and myofibroblasts served for the evaluation of the inflammatory and proliferative wound healing phases. Complete wound closure was faster in the old rats. A dimensional related wound closure was observed in the young rats versus a symmetrical wound closure in the old rats. Inflammatory response was significantly delayed and of lower intensity in the old rats. Myofibroblastic response, representing the proliferative stage, was delayed and of lower intensity in the old rats, albeit not statistically significant. Reduced initial tissue damage due to decreased and delayed inflammatory response in the old rats ultimately led to faster clinical wound healing compared to the young rats, despite a statistically non-significant lower proliferative response in the old rats.
Highlights
The surgical treatment of gingival recession is a popular surgical procedure in the periodontal armamentarium, with the free soft tissue graft being one of the most popular [1]
Regarding L-L distance (Figure 3a), it was found that it was smaller among old rats in week 1 (p = 0.03), week 2 (p < 0.001), and week 3 (p < 0.001)
Regarding A-P distance (Figure 3b), it was found that it was smaller among old rats in weeks 1 (p < 0.001), 2 (p < 0.001), and 3 (p < 0.001)
Summary
The surgical treatment of gingival recession is a popular surgical procedure in the periodontal armamentarium, with the free soft tissue graft being one of the most popular [1]. Apart from the intra-oral applications, free gingival grafts are successfully used in several medical specialties, such as otolaryngology [2,3], ophthalmology [4], dermatology, and plastic surgery [5,6]. Graft thickness may be ensured [8] without endangering anatomical critical structures (greater palatine complex). The main disadvantages of free soft tissue grafts are donor site morbidity, such as discomfort, bleeding, pain, swelling, difficulty in chewing, eating or speaking, bad smell, infection and loss of sensation [9]. The free gingival graft (FGG) palatal wound will usually heal within 2–4 weeks [10], despite the denuded palate. The main advantage of FGG is the ease of performance and large volume of soft tissue acquired [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
