Ridge Preservation Compared With Spontaneous Healing in Extraction Sockets With Buccal Dehiscence: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Alveolar ridge defects after tooth extraction pose challenges for subsequent dental implant placement.
• Buccal dehiscence defects complicate standard alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ARP using a bone allograft and collagen membrane in managing buccal dehiscence defects.
• To compare dimensional changes and bone gain with spontaneous healing.

Main Methods:

• ARP with bone allograft and collagen membrane was performed on extraction sockets with buccal dehiscence.
• A control group underwent spontaneous healing.
• Hard and soft tissue dimensions were measured post-operatively.

Main Results:

• The ARP group showed significantly limited hard and soft tissue dimensional changes.
• Buccal bone gain was promoted in the ARP group compared to spontaneous healing.
• The need for additional bone grafting was reduced with the ARP approach.

Conclusions:

• ARP using bone allograft and collagen membrane is effective for preserving alveolar ridge dimensions in defects with buccal dehiscence.
• This method simplifies future restorative procedures by minimizing bone resorption.
• While short-term morbidity was higher, the long-term benefits of reduced grafting needs are significant.