The healing process in the incisor tooth socket of the rat following root resection and exfoliation

Abstract

The organization occurring within the evacuated socket resulting from the exfoliation of the lower incisor of the rat following root resection was studied radiologically and histologically, and compared with previous accounts of socket healing following forceps extraction. Unlike the situation following forceps extraction, a blood clot was not formed within the evacuated socket following root resection which was occupied for approximately four weeks by a cell-free serous fluid similar in protein content to rat plasma. The evacuated socket filled up as a result of organization from the marginal peridental tissues which remained following tooth exfoliation. This process, once started, was very rapid as it was first observed at 32 days and by 36 days had almost been completed. Bone formation within this evacuated socket was observed as soon as the connective tissue proliferated into the socket. Though this rapidly developing bone had some connections with the wall of the socket, the outline of the original socket was evident both radiologically and histologically after 180 days. The major difference between the removal of a tooth from its socket by forceps extraction as opposed to root resection is that in the former most of the peridental tissue is considerably damaged by the operative procedure; after root resection the greater part of the peridental tissue is unaffected by direct trauma and it is this feature which is probably responsible for the differences which occur during the healing of the two types of socket.