Effect of Alveolar Process and Basal Bone Features on Post-Extraction Dimensional Changes

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Periodontology
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Alveolar bone dimensional changes after tooth extraction are critical for successful dental implant placement.
• Predicting and managing these changes requires understanding the influence of specific anatomical site characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between pre-extraction anatomical features of the alveolar process and basal bone and post-extraction dimensional alterations.
• To assess the impact of these features on the need for ancillary bone augmentation (NBA).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 65 patients undergoing single maxillary non-molar tooth extraction was studied.
• Baseline anatomical characteristics, including facial bone thickness (FBT) and sagittal root position (SRP) class, were recorded.
• Linear and volumetric bone changes, along with NBA, were evaluated after a 14-week healing period.

Main Results:

• Facial bone thickness (FBT) ≤ 1 mm was significantly associated with greater dimensional changes and higher NBA rates (88.46% vs. 35.13%).
• Sites with roots outside the bony housing and narrower basal bone width showed significantly increased bone remodelling and NBA.
• SRP Class IV exhibited the highest rates of bone remodelling and NBA (100%).

Conclusions:

• Pre-extraction anatomical factors, such as FBT, root position, and basal bone width, significantly influence post-extraction alveolar ridge remodelling.
• These site-specific features are crucial predictors for the need for ancillary bone augmentation in implant therapy planning.