Histomorphometric Evaluation of New Bone Formation, Dimensional Changes, and Residual Particles in Alveolar Ridge...

We worked on 14 single-root or premolar teeth with fused roots with an indication for the preservation of the alveolar ridge and the subsequent placement of a dental implant. The techniques performed in the study were the Bartee technique for the preservation of the alveolar crest in seven teeth that presented a good amount of the remaining bone tissue (minimum 4 mm in the apical-coronal direction) or that had a buccal or lingual/palatine wall defect (group A) and the Bio-Col alveolar preservation technique (group B), in seven teeth that presented an intact alveolus (four remaining walls). Xenograft was used in both groups. Results: Morphometric evaluation of group A (Bartee technique) and group B (Bio-Col technique) showed 11.48% and 13.24% of reabsorption in the vertical direction (p=0.482) and 21.95% and 20.55% in the horizontal direction, respectively (p=0.949). At 6 months of healing, the histomorphometric evaluation showed 31.10% new bone formation and 28.09% residual particles in group A, 13.24% new bone formation (p=0.744), and 20.55% residual particles for group B (p=0.302). There were no statistically significant differences in dimensional changes between both groups.

The Bartee and Bio-Col alveolar ridge preservation technique combined with a xenograft provides dimensional stability, counteracting the physiological resorption process and ensuring the stability of the surrounding tissues. Therefore, both techniques represent a predictable option for dental implant placement at 6 months of healing.