Effect of irradiation on wound healing after tooth extraction in the rachitic rats

Kim, Mee Kyung; Hwang, Eui Hwan; Lee, Sang Rae

Abstract

PURPOSE: To observe the histopathological changes following irradiation on the wound healing after tooth extraction in the rachitic rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In order to carry out this study, the rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (normal diet/non-irradiation group), Group 2 (normal diet/irradiation group), Group 3 (rachitogenic diet/non-irradiation group), and Group 4 (rachitogenic diet/irradiation group). Rachitic changes were induced with rachitogenic diet No. 2 (high calcium, low phosphorus, and Vitamin D deficient diet) for 5 weeks. After the extraction of both maxillary first molars of the rats in Group 2 and 4, the head and neck of the rats were irradiated with single absorbed dose of 10 Gy. The rats were sacrificed at the 1st, 5th, 10th, and 15th day after tooth extraction. The specimens including the extraction wound were sectioned, stained with the hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome method and examined under the light microscope.
RESULTS
In the Group 2, the amount of newly formed bone trabeculae on the periphery of extraction socket and osteoblastic activity were reduced. In the Group 3, epithelial fusion was not revealed on the 5th day after toothe extraction and growth rate of osteoid formation was reduced. In the Group 4, necrotized tissue at the outer surface of extraction socket and destructive changes on the alveolar bones were noted on the 10th day. Epithelial fusion was not revealed and large amounts of osteoclast were noted on alveolar bone on the 15th day.
CONCLUSION
The healing process of wound after tooth extraction was retarded by irradiation and especially in the rachitic rats.