Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
The Establishment of a Murine Mandibular Molar Extraction Socket Healing Model
Published on: January 13, 2023
Facial cortical bone regeneration post-extraction in non-grafted sockets allows for early implant placement and
Fernando Verdugo1, Theresia Laksmana2, Antonio D'Addona3
1Department of Periodontics, VA Hospital, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, California, USA; Catholic University Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Objective:
To evaluate posterior implant placement feasibility shortly after tooth extraction in non-grafted sockets with and without dehiscence at the time of extraction.
Design:
Ninety-five patients requiring posterior extractions entered this cross-sectional study. They were divided in three groups after extraction: G1 without dehiscence, G2 with dehiscence ≤5 and G3 > 5 mm. CBCT were taken prior to implant placement at an average of 12-weeks post-extraction to evaluate the need for grafting, cortical bone formation and bucco-lingual width (BLW). Actual BLW (n = 60) were compared to minimum expected BLW in 3 scenarios of BLW thickness averaging 6.4-7.4-8.4 mm. Peri-implant tissues were assessed for pocket formation and inflammation following established success criteria.
Results:
New cortical bone formation and sufficient BLW made implant placement feasible in sites with and without dehiscence at the time of extraction after an average healing time of 11.9 ± 2.4weeks (range: 8-18). Total average CBCT BLW was 10.1 ± 1.6 mm. All groups had a significantly higher BLW, than scenarios 1-3 (p < 0.0001). Molars were 20 times more likely than premolars to heal with BLW>10 mm (OR = 20; RR = 4.2; CI95 %: 5.3-74.2; p < 0.0001). Dehiscence sockets were 1.5 times more likely than non-dehiscenced sockets to present BLW ≤ 10 mm (OR = 1.5; RR = 0.6; CI95 %:0.9-2.5; p = 0.08). A band of keratinized tissue was present in all implants and success rates were 100 % at an average follow-up of 51.0 ± 23.4 months.
Conclusion:
Implant placement is feasible without socket grafting shortly after tooth extraction. Non-grafted sockets present a significant osteogenic potential. Dehiscence sockets are likely to self-repair by forming a new cortical plate. The unassisted regenerated intra-socket bone allows for functional implant stability long-term.
