Acellular dermal matrix and hydroxyapatite in prevention of ridge deformities after tooth extraction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) acting as a membrane, associated with a resorbable hydroxyapatite (RHA) in bone regeneration to prevent ridge deformities after tooth extraction. Fifteen patients who had at least 2 noncontiguous, uniradicular teeth indicated for extraction were selected. In group I, the extraction sockets were covered by ADMG alone; and in group II, the alveoli were filled with RHA before the placement of the ADMG. After 6 months, re-entry surgeries and biopsies were performed. Although ridge thickness had been preserved in both groups, the means were significantly greater (P < 0.05) for group II when compared to group I (6,8 +/- 1.26 and 5.53 +/- 1.06). The histologic analysis showed small bone formation in some samples for group II, where the presence of a highly vascularized fibrous connective tissue surrounding the particles was a common finding. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the ADMG was able to preserve ridge thickness and that the additional use of RHA favored the preservation of the ridges along with an increase in the width of keratinized tissue.