The Periodontal Benefits of Alveolar Ridge Augmentation With Xenograft Following Third Molar Extraction: A Randomised...

Area of Science:

• Periodontal regeneration
• Oral surgery
• Biomaterials in dentistry

Background:

• Third molar extraction often leads to periodontal defects at adjacent teeth.
• Grafting materials are explored to improve healing in extraction sockets.
• Deproteinised bovine bone mineral with collagen (DBBM-C) is a commonly used bone graft substitute.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of DBBM-C grafting in promoting periodontal healing.
• To evaluate the impact of DBBM-C on the distal aspect of the second molar (D2M) following third molar extraction.
• To compare linear and volumetric bone fill at the D2M site with and without grafting.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 28 patients and 42 extraction sites.
• Test group received DBBM-C grafting during extraction; control group received extraction alone.
• Periodontal healing assessed using linear and volumetric cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) at 6 months.

Main Results:

• Significant healing observed in both groups based on linear and volumetric measurements.
• No statistically significant differences were found between the DBBM-C grafted group and the control group.
• Healing at the disto-lingual aspect of the second molar showed variability.

Conclusions:

• DBBM-C grafting during third molar extraction did not demonstrate a significant benefit for periodontal healing at the D2M.
• Further research may be needed to explore alternative grafting strategies or patient selection criteria.
• The study was registered under ACTRN12620000497909.