The age factor in human extraction wound healing.

Age as a factor in extraction wound healing was studied. The healing time in individuals in the second decade of life was compared to that in individuals in the sixth decade and older. In the first ten-day postextraction period, no significant differences in the rate of healing between young and older individuals was noted. At approximately ten days, the rate of regeneration of the tissues of younger individuals began to accelerate. At approximately 20 days, after a lag phase, the rate of regeneration of tissues of older individuals began to accelerate. At approximately 30 days, the rates of healing were equal between young and older individuals. These findings of the period of most active regeneration of reparative marrow tissue in younger and older individuals may have significance in the timing of donor material in marrow transplant procedures. This aspect is currently under investigation.