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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
The Establishment of a Murine Mandibular Molar Extraction Socket Healing Model
Published on: January 13, 2023
miRNA-21 deficiency impairs alveolar socket healing in mice
Franz Josef Strauss1,2,3, Alexandra Stähli4, Reiko Kobatake5
1Department of Oral Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Background:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs demonstrated as critical post-transcriptional modulators in dental tissues and bone regeneration, particularly miR-21-5p. However, the role of miR-21-5p in the healing of alveolar sockets following tooth extraction remains unknown. In this study we evaluated the influence of miR-21-5p in the healing of alveolar socket after tooth extraction.
Methods:
Eight miR-21-5p knockout mice and eight littermate controls underwent tooth extraction of the upper right incisor. After a healing period of 14 days microCT and histological analyses were performed.
Results:
MicroCT analysis showed that the percentage of bone in the extraction socket was significantly higher in the control group than in the miR-21 knockout mice; either in the coronal (39.0%, CI 31.8 to 48.0 versus 23.0%, CI 17.8 to 35.2, P = 0.03) or in the middle part of the alveolar socket (56.0%, CI 50.9 to 62.5 versus 43.5% CI 28.6 to 54.6, P = 0.03). These differences were not noted in the apical part of the extraction socket. Histological analysis supported the microCT findings. Newly bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) was significantly higher in the control group when compared to miR-21 knockout mice, 27.4% (CI 20.6 to 32.9) versus 19.0% (CI 14.7 to 21.5, P < 0.05), respectively. Surprisingly, no evident signs of buccal bone resorption were observed in both groups.
Conclusion:
Despite the limitation of one observation period, these findings suggest that miR-21-5p delays the early healing of alveolar socket following tooth extraction. Whether miR-21-5p is essential for healing of alveolar sockets remains to be elucidated.
