Comparison of dimensional changes and ridge contour around ovate pontics inserted immediately after extraction with...

The aim of this prospective clinical cohort study is to evaluate how the use of ovate pontic alongside alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) contributes to soft tissue preservation when placed immediately post-extraction into a socket with or without intact buccal bone plate in the esthetic zone.

Twenty-three patients with a non-restorable tooth in the maxillary esthetic zone bound by natural adjacent teeth were recruited for the study. At the time of extraction, patients were assigned to three groups, Group A (type I socket with ARP), B (type II socket with ARP), and C (type II socket with ARP and membrane). Following flapless extraction, an ovate pontic with ARP was placed. Impressions were taken before extraction, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. Master casts were created to measure dimensional alterations. Descriptive statistical analysis compared changes in linear and volumetric measurements over the follow-up period.

After 6 months, Group A showed mean dimensional changes of -1.28 ± 0.75 mm in width, -1.19 ± 0.61 mm in height, and -30.51 ± 17.55 mm³ in volume. Group B had changes of -1.07 ± 0.48 mm in width, -1.12 ± 0.51 mm in height, and -23.36 ± 7.74 mm³ in volume. Group C experienced changes of -1.43 ± 0.41 mm in width, -0.98 ± 0.32 mm in height, and -31.27 ± 9.59 mm³ in volume.

Utilization of an ovate pontic provisional restoration in conjunction with ARP minimizes post-extraction ridge alteration and maintains natural morphology, providing a stable prosthetic foundation for fixed restorations, regardless of bone plate presence.