[Dimensional ridge alterations following tooth extraction. An experimental study in the dog]

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Periodontology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Tooth extraction often leads to alveolar ridge dimensional changes.
• Socket preservation aims to mitigate these changes and facilitate future restorations.
• Polylactide-linked root tapers (RT) are a proposed material for socket preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To histologically evaluate extraction wound healing after socket preservation using a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) root taper (RT).
• To compare bone healing and dimensional alterations between RT-treated sites and untreated controls.

Main Methods:

• Ten dogs underwent premolar extraction, with sockets filled with RT and covered by a polylactide barrier.
• Control sites received no treatment.
• Histomorphometrical analysis was performed at 3 and 6 months post-extraction.

Main Results:

• Both RT-treated and control sites showed mineralized bone formation within 3 months.
• No significant differences in bone height, width, or ridge alterations were observed between groups at 3 or 6 months.
• Connective tissue integration was noted around the RT material, with no remnants of the bone substitute visible at 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Polylactide-stabilized RT application does not appear to improve dimensional ridge alterations following tooth extraction.
• The material was integrated by connective tissue, but did not enhance bone regeneration compared to natural healing.
• Further investigation into alternative socket preservation techniques is warranted.