Alveolar ridge preservation following extraction of maxillary anterior teeth. Report on 23 consecutive cases

The purpose of this article was to clinically evaluate the predictability of a surgical procedure to preserve the alveolar ridge after extracting maxillary anterior teeth with advanced bone loss. This procedure is indicated when a tooth-supported fixed partial denture will rehabilitate the area. Non-resorbable hydroxyapatite crystals are used as graft material and a rotated pediculated split thickness palatal flap covers them. Twenty-three patients who were treated with this procedure were followed for 12 to 24 months. Results were predictable with minimal postoperative ridge deformation. Indications for this procedure are discussed.