A comparative study of polylactic acid, Gelfoam, and Surgicel in healing extraction sites

The search for a biodegradable material which may be placed in a fresh extraction socket to facilitate healing and prevent localized osteitis is a project which continues to hold much interest for oral surgeons. Polylactic acid is a biodegradable material which appears to have some promise in this area. The present study was devised to compare polylactic acid with two commonly used biodegradable substances and natural healing in order to determine the tissue response and suitability of polylactic acid as a treatment modality in fresh extraction sites. The over-all results were very satisfactory. The polylactic acid was well tolerated and did not interfere with the healing process.