Oral mucosa serves as the primary barrier against pathogen invasions, mechanical stresses, and physical trauma. Although it is generally composed of keratinocytes and held in place by desmosomes, it shows variation in tissue elasticity and surface keratinization at different sites of the oral cavity. Wound healing undergoes four stages of tissue change sequences, namely haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. The wound healing of oral hard tissue and soft tissue is largely dependent on the inflammatory response and vascular response, which are the targets of many research. Because of a less-robust inflammatory response, favourable saliva properties, a unique oral environment, and the presence of mesenchymal stem cells, oral wounds are reported to demonstrate rapid healing, less scar formation, and fewer inflammatory reactions. However, delayed oral wound healing is a major concern in certain populations with autoimmune disorders or underlying medical issues, or those subjected to surgically inflicted injuries. Various means of approach have been adopted to improve wound tissue proliferation without causing excessive scarring. This narrative review reappraises the current literature on the use of light, sound, mechanical, biological, and chemical means to enhance oxygen delivery to wounds. The current literature includes the use of hyperbaric oxygen and topical oxygen therapy, ultrasounds, lasers, platelet-rich plasma (PRP)/platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and various chemical agents such as hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, and Centella asiatica to promote angiogenesis in oral wound healing during the proliferation process. The arrival of a proprietary oral gel that is reported to improve oxygenation is highlighted.

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is considered the main inducer of both the α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) phenotype and collagen synthesis and deposition and plays a significant role in the tissue repair and the development of fibrosis. Since the PRP constitutes an important source of TGF‐β and its efficacy on the craniofacial bone repair remains controversy, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PRP in the presence of levels of TGF‐β on PRP samples, as well as in the presence of collagen III and α‐SMA+ cells, while comparing these results by means of a histomorphometric analysis of the bone matrix and fibrous deposition on the bone repair. Four bone defects of 16 mm² were created on the calvarium of 21 rabbits. The surgical defects were treated with either particulate autograft, particulate autograft mixed with PRP and PRP alone. Animals were euthanized at 15, 30, and 45 days postoperative. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess repair time, as well as the expression of collagen III, and α‐SMA. The histomorphometric results demonstrated intensive deposition of fibrous tissue while hinder bone deposition occurred in PRP groups. These results coincided with higher values of the TGF‐β on the PRP sample, also larger occurrence of diffuse collagen III deposition and higher presence of α‐SMA+ cells spread among the fibrous tissue. Thus, the higher levels of TGF‐β associated with the both expression of collagen III and α‐SMA on defect treated with PRP suggest that its biomaterial induce an effect that can be considered similarly to a fibroproliferative disorder. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:457–463, 2011

Background: The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate the healing of surgically created Class II furcation defects treated using an autogenous bone (AB) graft with or without a calcium sulfate (CS) barrier.Methods: The second, third, and fourth mandibular premolars (P2, P3, and P4) of six mongrel dogs were used in this study. Class II furcation defects (5 mm in height × 2 mm in depth) were surgically created and immediately treated. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups: group C (control), in which the defect was filled with blood clot; group AB, in which the defect was filled with AB graft; and group AB/CS, in which the defect was filled with AB graft and covered by a CS barrier. Flaps were repositioned to cover all defects. The animals were euthanized 90 days post‐surgery. Mesio‐distal serial sections were obtained and stained with either hematoxylin and eosin or Masson's trichrome. Histometric, using image‐analysis software, and histologic analyses were performed. Linear and area measurements of periodontal healing were evaluated and calculated as a percentage of the original defect. Percentage data were transformed into arccosine for statistical analysis (analysis of variance; P <0.05).Results: Periodontal regeneration in the three groups was similar. Regeneration of bone and connective tissue in the furcation defects was incomplete in most of the specimens. Statistically significant differences were not found in any of the evaluated parameters among the groups.Conclusion: Periodontal healing was similar using surgical debridement alone, AB graft, or AB graft with a CS barrier in the treatment of Class II furcation defects.