Socket Sealing Using Free Gingival Grafts: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Periodontology
• Implant Dentistry

Background:

• Post-extraction ridge resorption is a natural process impacting dental implant success.
• Socket preservation techniques aim to mitigate ridge resorption and optimize conditions for restoration.
• Free gingival grafts (FGG) are utilized in some socket preservation methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of socket sealing (SS) using free gingival grafts in reducing vertical socket wall resorption.
• To assess the impact of SS on premolar and molar regions over a 3-month period.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 40 patients (30-65 years old) allocated to socket sealing (SS) or control groups.
• Atraumatic tooth extraction followed by socket sealing with FGG (SS group) or secondary wound healing (control group).
• Vertical resorption of socket walls was measured over 3 months.

Main Results:

• Socket sealing with FGG significantly reduced post-extraction socket wall resorption.
• Buccal wall thickness was identified as a critical factor influencing vertical bone resorption.
• The SS method proved successful in minimizing bone loss.

Conclusions:

• Socket sealing with FGG is a valuable socket preservation technique, reducing bone resorption.
• This method avoids flap reflection and addresses soft tissue deficits, beneficial for immediate implant placement or bone augmentation.
• Further research is needed to explore factors influencing bone resorption and compare various socket preservation techniques.