Preservation and Augmentation of Molar Extraction Sites Affected by Severe Bone Defect Due to Advanced Periodontitis: A Prospective Clinical Trial

Background: Studies of the extracted infected-molar ridge preservation are limited.

Purpose: To compare alterations of hard and soft tissue in infected-molar sockets receiving ridge preservation compared with natural healing.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-five infected-molar extraction sites either preserving with Bio-Gide membrane covered the Bio-Oss material or receiving natural healing procedure as controls. The soft tissue profile was evaluated before tooth extraction and after 6-month healing. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken immediately and 6 months after extraction. Vertical and horizontal bone changes were assessed radiographically. Data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test and α = 0.05.

Results: No significant differences in soft tissue and vertical bone changes in the medium region of the sockets were found (P > .05). Buccal bone changes in the mesial and distal sites in the test group were significantly lower than the control group (P < .05). Ridge width increased from 0.21mm to 5.30mm at 1mm apical from the crest in the test and reduced from 0.12 mm to 1.00 mm in the control groups.

Conclusion: Ridge preservation at periodontally compromised molar extraction sites might compensate for ridge width and buccal bone resorption that occurs with natural healing alone.