Dimitrios Raptopoulos
European University Cyprus, Cyprus
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Gen Med (Los Angeles)
Objective: The alveolar process is the ridge on maxilla’s inferior and mandible’s superior surface, into which the teeth are found. The alveolar bone surrounding the teeth forms the tooth socket. The alveolar process is mainly consisted of compact bone containing Volkmann canals, through which blood vessels travel reaching the Periodontal Ligament (PDL); a complex network of connective tissue fibers extending from the alveolar process to the root surface holding the tooth ion place. However, sometimes tooth extraction is required. The purpose of this study is to describe the changes that occur on the soft and hard tissues after a tooth extraction. Methods: A narrative review was performed on the medical online library of PubMed between 2000-2021 using the keywords PDL, alveolar process, tooth extraction and extraction healing. Of all the listed articles only those describing the healing process after tooth extraction were included. Results: A blood clot is formed after the extraction, which is replaced by granulation tissue followed by soft tissue healing and bone remodeling. Bone remodelling entails the removal of mineralised bone by osteoclasts and the subsequent synthesis of bone matrix by osteoblasts and occurs in three key steps; resorption: when osteoclasts resorb the old bone (2 weeks); reversal: when mononuclear cells emerge on the bone surface (2-4 weeks) and production when osteoblasts lay down new bone until the resorbed one is entirely replaced (up to 4 months). Placement of collagen sponge is suggested for blood clot stabilisation and soft tissue healing enhancement. Conclusion: After a tooth extraction, the organism starts to cure the tooth socket and it depends, at least, up to 4 months.
Dimitrios Raptopoulos is a member of the great dental family of the European University of Cyprus. Since 2021, when he got accepted to the School of Dentistry of EUC, he passed all the exams’ periods with flying colours and due to this he received a Second Honours Certificate from the dean of the University. He has also, attended multiple dental conferences that took place in Greece and Cyprus.
