Efficacy of Injectable Bone Fillers for Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Histomorphometrical Analysis

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) is crucial for maintaining bone volume after tooth extraction.
• Injectable bone fillers offer potential advantages in ease of use and delivery for ARP procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of various injectable bone fillers compared to a particulated bone substitute for ARP.
• To assess key histomorphometrical outcomes including bone height and width.

Main Methods:

• Nine beagle dogs underwent bilateral premolar extraction and ARP using four injectable materials, one control bone substitute, and a negative control.
• Histomorphometrical analyses were performed after 12 weeks to measure buccal and lingual bone height, bone wall width, and bone/particle surface area.

Main Results:

• All tested injectable bone fillers and the control bone substitute showed similar efficacy in maintaining buccal bone height (BBH) compared to the negative control.
• No significant differences were observed in buccal bone width (BBW) and lingual bone width (LBW) among the groups.
• Injectable materials and the control exhibited a marked grade of osteoconduction and osteointegration.

Conclusions:

• Injectable bone fillers are as effective as particulated bone substitutes for alveolar ridge preservation.
• These findings support the use of injectable bone fillers as a viable option for ARP.