The healing process of palatal tissues after operations with and without denudation of bone: an experimental study in dogs.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate wound healing clinically and histologically in beagle dogs after palatal repair during growth by the partially split flap technique and the von Langenbeck technique. A standardised soft tissue defect was created in the medial region of the palate. The partially split flap technique was performed in 14 dogs (age 12 weeks). Von Langenbeck repair was simulated in 12 dogs (age 12 weeks). Four dogs (age 12 weeks) served as controls. Standardised slides of the palate were taken on eight occasions and the wound surface areas were measured. Histological sections were prepared at three different ages. The animals were studied until the age of 25 weeks. Re-epithelialisation was complete in roughly two weeks in dogs after palatal repair by the partially split flap technique. The histological features of this group were close to normal limits. After the von Langenbeck's procedure re-epithelialisation took about three weeks and scar tissue was firmly attached to bundle bone by Sharpey's fibres. We conclude that the histological appearance of the palatal tissues in dogs after palatal repair during growth by the partially split flap technique was close to normal. We assume that this is reason for more favourable dentoalveolar development after the partially split flap technique compared with von Langenbeck's repair.