Soft Tissue Healing After Post-Extractive Alveolar Ridge Reconstruction Using a Magnesium Membrane-Based Regenerative...

Post-extractive alveolar ridge reconstruction with resorbable barrier membranes aims to preserve ridge dimensions and support future implant placement, yet evidence on soft tissue healing with magnesium-based membranes remains limited. This prospective observational pilot study evaluated mucosal healing following alveolar ridge reconstruction using a resorbable pure magnesium membrane (NOVAMag^®) combined with a xenogeneic bone graft and a collagen dermal matrix overlay in five consecutively enrolled patients. Soft tissue healing was assessed with the Wound Healing Index (WHI) at 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain (VAS) and oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) at 7 days. Mean WHI scores progressed from 4.4 ± 0.8 at day 7 to 4.8 ± 0.4 at day 14, with complete excellent healing (WHI 5.0 ± 0.0) achieved in all patients by day 90 and maintained through day 180. One case of partial wound dehiscence resolved spontaneously without infection or graft loss. Mean VAS was 1.86 ± 1.89 cm, and mean OHIP-14 was 20.8 ± 5.23, indicating limited and transient patient-reported impact. These preliminary findings support the clinical feasibility of the NOVAMag^® membrane as part of a combined regenerative approach in post-extractive ridge reconstruction and warrant validation in larger controlled trials.