Abstract
Background
Alveolar Bone loss occurs frequently during the first six months after tooth extraction. Various studies have proposed different methods to reduce as much as possible the atrophy of the alveolar ridge after tooth extraction. Filling the socket with biomaterials after extraction can reduce the resorption of the alveolar ridge. We compared the volumetric resorption rate after the application of HA/β-TCP or synthetic co-polymer polyglycolic - polylactic acid PLGA mixed with blood to prevent socket resorption immediately and after tooth extraction.
Methods
The study was conducted on 24 extraction sockets of impacted mandibular third molars bilaterally, vertically, and completely covered, with a thin bony layer. HA/β-TCP was inserted into 12 of the dental sockets immediately after extraction, and the synthetic polymer PLGA was inserted into 12 of the dental sockets. All sockets were covered completely with a full-thickness envelope flap. Follow-up was performed for one year after extraction, using radiographs and stents for the vertical alveolar ridge measurements.
Results
The mean volume reduction in the HA/β-TCP and PLGA groups was ± 1.23mm and ± 0.1mm, respectively. A minimal alveolar bone height reduction of HA/β-TCP was observed after 9 months, the reduction showed a slight decrease to 0.93mm, while this rate was 0.04mm after 9 months in the PLGA group. Moreover, the bone height was maintained after three months, indicating a good HA/β-TCP graft performance in preserving alveolar bone (1.04mm) while this rate was (0.08mm) for PLGA (Table 1).
Conclusion
The PLGA graft demonstrated adequate safety and efficacy in dental socket preservation following tooth extraction. However, HA/β-TCP causes greater resorption at augmented sites than PLGA, which clinicians should consider during treatment planning.