Wound healing after anterior and posterior subapical osteotomy.

Changes in the process of wound healing and in the dental pulp were examined following anterior and posterior mandibular subapical osteotomies in pig-tailed macaque monkeys. Results of microangiographic and histologic investigations indicated that degenerative pulpal changes may occur following mobilization and repositioning of small dentoalveolar segments. The potential significance of such degenerative pulpal changes and the need for routine dental radiographic checkups following anterior and posterior mandibular dentoalveolar surgery are discussed.