Effect of salivary gland hypofunction on the healing of extraction wounds: a histomorphometric study in rats.

The effect of salivary gland hypofunction (SGH) on oral wound healing is not well established. The present study evaluates the healing of extraction wounds in a SGH rat model. Experimental rats underwent removal of the submandibular and sublingual glands and ligation of the parotid ducts. Maxillary left first molars were extracted and healing was determined at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days after extraction. Salivary gland hypofunction caused a significant delay in socket healing. The inflammatory process was more intense and of longer duration. The formation of fibrous connective tissue and bone was relatively slow among the experimental rats. The results suggest that SGH patients undergoing oral surgery may have prolonged wound healing.