Fig. 8

Scanning electron micrographs of the healing socket for all groups. (A1, B1, C1, and D1) showing top views of the healing socket. A1, group I (+ ve control) showing moderate healing with moderate socket closure (star) with bone formation. B1, group II (ZnO NPs), shows a higher degree of healing with complete socket closure (star) and bone formation. C1, group III (NHAP), showing complete healing with complete socket closure (star) and bone formation with a smooth surface. D1, group IV (ZnO NPs + NHAP) showing complete healing with complete socket closure (star) and bone formation with a smooth surface. (A2, B2, C2, and D2) showing higher magnification of the buccal cortical plate at the socket area. A2and B2, group I and II, respectively, show mixed smooth (S) and rough (R) surface topography with multiple nutritive canals (curved arrows), which show less regular surface outlines. C2 and D2, group III and IV, respectively, show smooth (S) surface topography with numerous nutritive canals (curved arrows), which show more regular surface outlines. (A3, B3, C3, and D3) depicting the bone of the inner wall of the socket. A3 and B3, group I and II, respectively, show newly formed bone consisting of layers of irregular thin trabeculae (arrows) separated by wide bone marrow spaces (BM). C3 and D3, group III and IV, respectively, C3 shows that the freshly formed thick cortical bone trabeculae (arrows) surround smaller bone marrow spaces (BM). D3 depicts mature bone filling, but with areas of relatively thin and irregular trabeculae (arrows) in some fields. The bone appeared to fill the socket with obvious osteointegration with old bone. (SEM, original magnification; A1, B1, C1, and D1 × 500; A2, A3 × 20; B2, C2, D2, B3 × 50; C3 × 200; D3 × 100).