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Ridge dimensional changes following single-tooth extraction in the aesthetic zone
1Periodontics, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
Objectives:
The aims of this study were to investigate the magnitude of the dimensional changes following extraction of a single tooth in the aesthetic zone over a 6- to 8-week healing period and to examine the degree and pattern of resorption of the buccal bone plate during this time frame.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty subjects who were to have a single tooth in the aesthetic zone extracted and replaced by an implant after a 6-8 week healing period were selected for this study. Hard and soft tissue measurements of the extraction site were obtained pre-extraction and were repeated 6-8 weeks post-extraction at defined points using a key.
Results:
After a 6- to 8-week healing period, the total ridge thickness in the crestal midline reduced by 15% of the original value. The buccal plate resorbed in an "inverted V shape". Forty-two percentage of subjects had lost 4 mm or more of buccal bone in the midpoint of the extraction socket.
Discussion:
After a 6- to 8-week healing period post-extraction, there were significant reductions in the hard and soft tissue dimensions of the ridge, most notably on the most coronal mid-buccal aspect. All implants placed required simultaneous augmentation as a result.
