Performance of a multiphase bioactive socket plug with a barrier function for alveolar ridge preservation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Tooth extraction sockets often experience buccal bone wall resorption and epithelial down-growth, compromising alveolar bone volume.
• Traditional socket plug materials fail to adequately prevent these issues, hindering optimal conditions for dental implant placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological performance of a multiphase bioactive socket plug (BP) in vitro.
• To assess the BP's ability to maintain socket dimensions and promote alveolar bone regeneration compared to a collagen plug (CP).

Main Methods:

• The BP was fabricated using freeze-drying and layer-by-layer assembly, featuring distinct layers for scaffolding, bone regeneration, and dimensional maintenance with a collagen membrane.
• Physical properties (swelling, degradation, ion release) and biological performance (cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin content) were evaluated in vitro.
• Barrier function was assessed using Hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Main Results:

• The four-part BP was successfully fabricated, demonstrating good swelling equilibrium, high stability in collagenase solution, and sustained calcium ion release.
• BP showed excellent cell proliferation and significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content compared to the CP group.
• The collagen membrane component of BP demonstrated outstanding barrier function, preventing soft tissue infiltration.

Conclusions:

• The multiphase bioactive socket plug (BP) effectively maintains alveolar socket dimensions and shows significant potential for promoting bone regeneration.
• BP exhibits favorable physical, chemical, and biological properties, making it a promising scaffold for alveolar ridge preservation.
• This bioactive socket plug represents a significant advancement for enhancing outcomes in dental implantology.