Extraction Socket Preservation Using Growth Factors and Stem Cells: a Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Regenerative medicine
• Oral surgery
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Alveolar bone defects following tooth extraction can compromise subsequent dental implant placement.
• Current socket preservation techniques aim to maintain bone volume and architecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on stem cells and growth factors for post-extraction alveolar bone treatment.
• To evaluate clinical, radiographic, and histological outcomes of socket preservation using these regenerative agents.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and PubMed Central databases (2010-2018).
• Inclusion of animal and clinical studies in English within the last 10 years.
• Analysis of studies reporting outcomes of socket preservation with mesenchymal stem cells or growth factors.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies involving 386 post-extraction sockets were reviewed.
• Mesenchymal stem cells and bone morphogenetic protein-2 were frequently studied agents.
• Positive clinical and radiographic outcomes observed, with improved socket width, though histological differences were minimal.

Conclusions:

• Mesenchymal stem cells and bioactive osteogenic molecules generally enhance bone regeneration post-extraction.
• Current evidence lacks specificity for definitive recommendations due to variability in study designs.
• Standardization of stem cell selection, purification, dosage, and delivery of bioactive molecules is crucial for future research.