Microvascularization of gingival wound healing using corrosion casts.

The healing process in a wound induced by removal of 6 X 6 mm of gingiva and periosteum from the maxillary attached gingiva of 48 adult mongrel dogs was observed to investigate the potential blood supply for grafts placed on denuded bone. Three-dimensional observations were performed over 12 weeks by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) following the manufacture of corrosion capillary casts by acrylic resin injection. Revascularization in the gingival wound was mainly through formation of new capillaries from those existing below the surrounding epithelium with little new capillary formation from the Volkmann canals. Moreover, the periodontium contributed greatly to the vascularization, which was fastest from the gingival margin. Further, simplification of new capillary loops was also fastest from this direction. Regeneration of the periosteum and periosteal vascular plexus was slow, taking about twice the time of connective tissue and capillaries below the epithelium. The results indicated that blood supply to grafts on denuded bone in the early postgraft period would mainly be provided by capillaries below the epithelium surrounding the recipient bed.