Wound healing following dental extractions in rabbits: effects of tranexamic acid, warfarin anti-coagulation, and socket packing

We have investigated the importance of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems for wound healing following dental extractions. Four front teeth were extracted in rabbits; wound healing was measured as time until complete epithelial closure. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid shortened duration of wound healing in normal rabbits. Anti-coagulation with warfarin delayed epithelial closure, which was, however, normalized by simultaneous administration of tranexamic acid, whereas complete packing of the socket with oxidized cellulose had no corrective effect. Apical packing together with tranexamic acid gave normal healing. It is concluded that the quality of the fibrin network within the dental socket determines the rate of wound healing; oxidized cellulose is not an adequate substitute for fibrin.