Preservation of the postextraction alveolar ridge: a clinical and histologic study

The aim of this investigation was to assess the possibility of preserving the buccal and lingual plates of a postextraction socket from resorption using bone filler after tooth extraction. In 10 patients, 10 single extraction sites in the posterior area received a bone substitute. The osteoconductive material was covered by a collagen membrane in all cases. Contour changes of the alveolar process were evaluated intraorally using a surgical caliper over a 4-month period. Four months after extraction, a specimen was harvested from the area previously augmented with bone filler, and histologic analysis was performed. The results demonstrated that it was possible to preserve about 85% of the initial ridge dimensions, allowing for correct implant placement. From a histologic point of view, new bone formation was detected in all sites, with a 25% average residual presence of the graft particles. This investigation confirms the benefit of augmenting an extraction socket with bone substitutes.