Changes in alveolar process dimensions following extraction of molars with advanced periodontal disease: A clinical pilot study

Learn, unlearn, and relearn post-extraction alveolar socket healing: Evolving knowledge and practices

OBJECTIVE

This review was to offer a comprehensive analysis of currently available evidence on post-extraction alveolar socket healing, including i) the histological and molecular events during alveolar socket healing, ii) the dimensional ridge alterations after socket healing and controversies relating to sinus pneumatisation, iii) the patient-specific factors, procedural elements, and site-related variables influencing socket healing, iv) techniques and effectiveness of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedure, and v) the philosophies and cost-effectiveness of ARP in clinical practice.

SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

To investigate the dimensional profiles of the alveolar ridge following unassisted healing, an overview of systematic reviews was conducted in February 2024 by two independent reviewers. Four electronic databases were searched in Pubmed, Embase, Web of science and Cochrane Library between 2004 and 2024 to identify all relevant systematic reviews on post-extraction healing. A further manual search of reviews was also conducted. The articles were further reviewed in full text for relevance. The AMSTAR-2 appraisal tool was adopted to assess methodological quality. Current research pertaining to other listed objectives was objectively analysed in narration.

DATA

11 out of 459 retrieved studies were selected and ultimately covered in this review on the dimensional changes of alveolar ridge following natural healing: Seven systematic reviews and four systematic reviews with meta-analyses. The methodological quality of all included reviews was critically low.

CONCLUSION

This review thoroughly examines the healing profiles of post-extraction alveolar sockets and highlights the dynamic process with overlapping phases and the inter-individual variability in outcomes. ARP procedure is a potential strategy for facilitating prosthetic site development, while the current evidence is limited. Herein, an individualised and prosthetically driven approach is crucial. Further well sized and designed trials with novel biomaterials need to be undertaken, and the role of artificial intelligence in predicting healing and assisting clinical decision-making could be explored.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

By advancing our understanding of alveolar socket healing and its management strategies, clinicians can make more informed decisions regarding patient and site level assessment and selection, surgical techniques, and biomaterial choices, ultimately contributing to the enhanced healing process with reduced complications and improved quality of life for patients undergoing tooth extraction and dental implant treatments.

Efficacy of Alveolar Ridge Preservation in Periodontally Compromised Molar Extraction Sites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AIM

To investigate the efficacy of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in periodontally compromised molar extraction sites.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed on 10th November 2023 across five databases, seeking randomised/non-randomised controlled trials (RCTs/NCTs) that included a minimum follow-up duration of four months. The RoB2 and Robins-I tools assessed the risk of bias for the included studies. Data on alveolar ridge dimensional and volumetric changes, keratinized mucosal width, and need for additional bone augmentation for implant placement were collected. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was carried out to derive the pooled estimates.

RESULTS

Six studies were incorporated in the present review, and a total of 135 molar extraction sockets in 130 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. ARP was undertaken in 68 sites, and 67 sites healed spontaneously. The follow-up time ranged from 4 to 6 months. The meta-analysis of both RCTs and NCTs showed significant differences in mid-buccal ridge width changes at 1 mm level below ridge crest with a mean difference (MD) of 3.80 (95% CI: 1.67-5.94), mid-buccal ridge height changes (MD: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.25-3.12) and volumetric changes (MD: 263.59; 95% CI: 138.44-388.74) in favour of ARP, while the certainty of evidence is graded low to very low. Moreover, ARP appeared to reduce the need for additional sinus and bone augmentation procedures at implant placement with low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised extraction sites may, to some extent, preserve the ridge vertically and horizontally with reference to spontaneous healing. However, it could not eliminate the need for additional augmentation for implant placement. Further, longitudinal studies with large sample sizes and refined protocols are needed.

Ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar sockets with and without primary wound closure: A comparative controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare hard- and soft-tissue changes after ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar sockets with and without primary wound closure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty molars with severe periodontitis requiring extraction were included and allocated to two treatment modalities. After tooth extraction, the sockets were filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral and covered with a bioabsorbable porcine collagen membrane. Primary wound closure was achieved in the control group, whereas the test group underwent minimally invasive open healing. The dimensions of the bone and soft tissue were recorded at baseline and 6 months.

RESULTS

Over 6 months, the control and test groups had similar mean ridge heights at the center of sockets of 8.59 ± 2.47 mm and 8.47 ± 2.51 mm, respectively. The total volume of the control group increased from 1070.17 to 1713.52 mm3 for a mean gain of 643.35 mm3 , whereas that of the test group increased from 992.51 to 1514.05 mm3 for a mean gain of 521.54 mm3 . Compared with the test group, the control group showed a statistically significant decrease in keratinized tissue width of 1.08 ± 1.63 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone dimensional changes following ridge preservation with and without primary wound closure were comparable. ARP without primary wound closure preserves more keratinized tissue than that with (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-ONN-16009433).

Alveolar ridge preservation in sockets with severe periodontal destruction using autogenous partially demineralized dentin matrix: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The preservation and reconstruction of alveolar ridge volume in extraction sockets of molars affected by severe periodontitis is a critical challenge that requires clinical attention.

PURPOSE

This randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficiency of autogenous partially demineralized dentin matrix (APDDM) for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in severely periodontally compromised sockets compared to spontaneous healing (SH) on radiographic and histomorphometric outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with 32 periodontally compromised molars were randomized into either the test group, which received ARP using APDDM covered with a collagen sponge, or the control group, which underwent SH. Linear and volumetric changes were assessed using superimposed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquired pre-extraction and after a 4-month healing time. Histomorphometric evaluation was performed on trephine cores harvested during implant placement.

RESULTS

All sites healed uneventfully. The ridge width at 1 mm apical to the bone crest increased by 5.03, 4.50, and 5.20 mm in the mesial, middle, distal area in the APDDM group, while decreasing by -1.98, -2.19, and -1.98 mm in the SH group, respectively (p < 0.05). The height increase of the central bone was significantly higher in the APDDM group than in the SH group (p < 0.05). The height decrease of the buccal (mesial, middle, distal) bone plate was lower in the APDDM group than in the SH group (p < 0.05). After a 4-month healing time, bone volume increased by 37.07% in the APDDM group and by only 2.33% in the SH group (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis revealed that APDDM particles were surrounded by newly formed bone, with partially absorbed residual APDDM materials observed. New bone, APDDM remnants, and connective tissue occupied 39.67 ± 8.28%, 23.66 ± 9.22%, and 36.67 ± 17.05% of the areas in the APDDM group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ARP using APDDM was effective, resulting in a significant increase in both linear and volumetric changes in severely periodontally compromised extraction sockets compared to SH. These findings suggest that APDDM may serve as a promising new clinical option for the reconstruction of alveolar ridge dimensions.

Use of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Accompanied by Bone Graft in Socket Endurance: A Radiographic and Histological Study

Background Ridge preservation became a crucial dental health issue and strategy to keep away from ridge defacement after post-tooth loss. The recent scientific evolution of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) comprises a parenteral formulation of PRF. The combined allograft for socket preservation gives benefits. In this study, bone allografts, demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts (DFDBA) and freeze-dried bone allografts (FDBA) are used in a 30:70 ratio alone or in combination with injectable PRF (I-PRF) for socket preservation. Methods This study is a radiographic and histological examination conducted on 60 participants aged between 19-65 years. Participating patients agreed voluntarily that they would not bear any fixed prosthesis for the next nine months and plan for implanted teeth placement, including multi-rooted mandibular molars denticles. Both groups received atraumatic extraction; then, the socket was preserved with bone allograft alone in the control group and bone allograft mixed with I-PRF, forming sticky bone, in the experimental group. Clinical, radiological, and histological assessments were taken at the inception stage, three months, six months, and nine months. A multivariate regression model and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model were used to analyse the effects of these changes on outcomes. Results In all the parameters, the test group indicated a good amount of bone growth with increasing intervals of time for bone height radiographically with statistically significant difference present (p<0.05) and histologically after nine months when socket site grafted with bone graft in combination with I-PRF. Conclusion This study's results demonstrated that I-PRF possesses the potential to regenerate and heal in the tooth-extracted socket. This study further recommends the implementation of I-PRF in safeguarding and conserving the raised rim of the tooth. Future research should take place on the osteogenic capability of I-PRF in more comprehensive ridge accession surgical procedures and additional expanding and improving capacities in periodontal reconstruction.

[The possibility of obtaining bone autograft from the anterior palate to restore limited bone defects]

OBJECTIVE

Determination of the optimal zone of the alveolar process of the upper jaw for bone autograft sampling according to cone-beam computed tomography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A study was conducted to assess the possibility of taking a bone autograft from the palatine surface of the alveolar process of the upper jaw. The criteria for inclusion of patients in the study were the presence of a complete dentition and the absence of removed teeth in the upper jaw. A total of 50 patients participated in the study. Determination of the optimal zone for bone autograft sampling was carried out using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the upper jaw.

RESULTS

The optimal area for bone autograft sampling is the area of the palatine surface of the alveolar process in the projection of the frontal group of teeth and the area of the upper jaw mound. When taking bone autograft in he projection of the frontal group of teeth and the area of the upper jaw mound with a probability of 95.11%, a 4 mm long trepan can be used. In 39.6% of cases, the parameters of the alveolar process allow the use of standard trepans with a diameter of 3.5 mm, which makes it possible to obtain a bone cylinder with a diameter of 3 mm. At the same time, in the area of the alveolar process of the frontal group of teeth, it is possible to pick up bone autograft more by 16-23 mm3 than in the the area of the upper jaw mound.

CONCLUSION

The palatine surface of the alveolar process can be used for bone autograft sampling when planning to eliminate limited defects of the upper jaw. The CBCT method makes it possible to determine the optimal bone autograft sampling zone and the available bone volume, which minimizes injury to the patient.

Three-dimensional position changes of unopposed molars before implant rehabilitation: a short-term retrospective cohort analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the spatial changes of unopposed molars within the period between the antagonist extraction and the final implant restoration using data from cone beam computed tomography.

METHODS

A total of 59 patients with 68 unopposed molars were included in this study. Three-dimensional models reconstructed from cone beam computed tomography data before and after loss of the antagonist were superimposed to measure the spatial changes. The overeruption and tipping of target teeth were calculated by coordinate values.

RESULTS

The result of overeruption over the study period (9.2 ± 4.3 months) was expressed by two values: the mean overeruption of molar cups (0.432 mm) and the maximum overeruption of cusps (0.753 mm), which were statistically significant compared to the baseline level (p < 0.001). The average tipping was 1.717 degrees in the buccal direction.

CONCLUSIONS

Unopposed molars displayed overeruption throughout the study period (9.2 ± 4.3 months), which indicates that the clinicians should pay attention to the possibilities of overeruption and make appropriate interventions in their clinical practice. The establishment of three-dimensional measuring methods using cone beam computed tomography data helps analyze spatial changes.

Assessment of soft and hard tissue characteristics of ridge preservation at molar extraction sites with severe periodontitis: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Changes in alveolar bone dimension after tooth extraction may affect placement of the subsequent implant, resulting in ridge deficiency that can adversely impact long-term implant stability or aesthetics. Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) was effective in reducing the amount of ridge resorption following tooth extraction. There is sparse evidence regarding the benefit of ARP at periodontally compromised molar extraction sockets. This study will be a randomized trial to assess the soft tissue contour, radiographical, and histological changes of ARP at molar extraction sites in order to compare severe periodontitis cases with natural healing results and determine the most beneficial and least traumatic clinical treatment for such patients.

Methods

This research is designed as a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial. The total number of tooth extraction sites will be 70 after calculation with power analysis. Teeth will be randomly assigned to two groups with the test group conducting ridge preservation and the control group healing naturally. Periodontal examination, cone beam-computed tomography (CBCT) data, and stereolithographic (STL) files obtained by intraoral scanning will be collected through the follow-up period, and bone biopsy samples would be obtained during implant surgery. The primary outcomes are the vertical and horizontal change of alveolar ridge measured on CBCT images, soft tissue contour changes evaluated by superimposing the digital impressions, alterations of mucosa thickness (as measured by superimposing the CBCT data and STL files), histological features of implant sites and periodontal parameter changes. The secondary outcomes are patient-reported post-operative reaction and conditions of simultaneous bone graft or sinus lifting procedures during implantation.

Discussion

This study will provide information about hard and soft tissue dimension changes and histomorphology evaluation following ARP and natural healing in periodontally compromised molar sites, which may contribute to complement the missing information of ARP at periodontally compromised molar extraction sockets.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2200056335. Registered on February 4, 2022, Version 1.0.

Ridge preservation in maxillary molar extraction sites with severe periodontitis: a prospective observational clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess alveolar bone changes and treatment modality alterations after ridge preservation on maxillary molar extraction sockets with severe periodontitis, compared to natural healing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six maxillary infected-molar teeth either receiving ridge preservation (RG group) or undergoing natural healing (NT group) were investigated. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning was performed immediately after surgery (the baseline) and repeated 6 months later to measure the linear and volumetric changes of the sockets.

RESULTS

Based on radiographic measurements, alveolar bone width decreased by 1.58 ± 4.61 mm in the NT group but increased by 3.74 ± 4.17 mm in the RG group (p < 0.05). Significant increases in ridge height at the center of both the NT (7.54 ± 4.54 mm) and RG (9.20 ± 3.26 mm) groups were observed. Mean sinus pneumatization was 0.19 ± 0.45 mm in the RG group and 0.59 ± 0.63 mm in the NT group (p < 0.05). The relative increase in total ridge volume was 8.0% and 35.5% in the NT and RG group, respectively (p < 0.05). Implant placement with additional sinus augmentation procedure was performed in 16.7% of the RG group cases, whereas 50% in the NT group cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Ridge preservation in the maxillary molar extraction sockets with severe periodontitis can improve alveolar ridge dimensions and decrease the necessity of advanced regenerative procedures at implant placement compared to natural healing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ridge preservation on maxillary molar extraction sockets with severe periodontitis maintained the vertical bone height more efficiently and resulted in less need for sinus augmentation procedures at 6 months compared to natural healing.

Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography to Assess Changes in Alveolar Bone Width around Dental Implants at Native and Reconstructed Bone Sites: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The aim of this study was to use a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess changes in alveolar bone width around dental implants at native and reconstructed bone sites before and after implant surgery. A total of 99 implant sites from 54 patients with at least two CBCT scans before and after implant surgery during 2010–2019 were assessed in this study. Demographic data, dental treatments and CBCT scans were collected. Horizontal alveolar bone widths around implants at three levels (subcrestal width 1 mm (CW1), subcrestal width 4 mm (CW4), and subcrestal width 7 mm (CW7)) were measured. A p-value of < 0.05 indicated statistically significant differences. The initial bone widths (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) at CW1, CW4, and CW7 were 6.98 ± 2.24, 9.97 ± 2.64, and 11.33 ± 3.00 mm, respectively, and the postsurgery widths were 6.83 ± 2.02, 9.58 ± 2.55, and 11.19 ± 2.90 mm, respectively. The change in bone width was 0.15 ± 1.74 mm at CW1, 0.39 ± 1.12 mm at CW4 (p = 0.0008), and 0.14 ± 1.05 mm at CW7. A statistically significant change in bone width was observed at only the CW4 level. Compared with those at the native bone sites, the changes in bone width around implants at reconstructed sites did not differ significantly. A significant alveolar bone width resorption was found only at the middle third on CBCT scans. No significant changes in bone width around implants were detected between native and reconstructed bone sites.

Implants Survival Rate in Regenerated Sites with Innovative Graft Biomaterials: 1 Year Follow-Up

In thirteen different dental clinics in Singapore, Spain, Czech Republic and Italy, 504 patients were selected, and 483 dental implants were placed in maxillary sites after alveolar socket preservation (ASP) procedures with an autologous demineralized tooth extracted as graft material from an innovative Tooth Transformer device was obtained. All procedures used were reported in n°638 Ethical Committee surgical protocol of University of Chieti and approved. After 4 months, at dental implant placing, bone biopsies were performed to evaluate the histologic outcomes, and 12 months after implant loading, global implant survival rate, failure percentage and peri-implant bone loss were detected. After ASP, only 27 post-operative complications were observed and after 4 months, bone biopsy histomorphometric analysis showed a high percentage of bone volume (BV) 43.58 (±12.09), and vital new bone (NB) 32.38 (±17.15) with an absence of inflammation or necrosis areas. Twelve months after loading, only 10 dental implants failed (2.3%), with a 98.2% overall implant survival rate, nine cases showed mucositis (1.8%) and eight showed peri-implantitis (1.6%). At mesial sites, 0.43 mm (±0.83) of bone loss around the implants was detected and 0.23 mm (±0.38) at the distal sites with an average value of 0.37 mm (±0.68) (p > 0.568). Several studies with a longer follow-up will be necessary to confirm the preliminary data observed. However, clinical results seem to suggest that the post-extraction socket preservation procedure using innovative demineralized autologous tooth-derived biomaterial may be a predictable procedure to produce new vital bone able to support dental implant rehabilitation of maxilla edentulous sites.

Three-Dimensional Cell Printed Lock-Key Structure for Oral Soft and Hard Tissue Regeneration

Alveolar ridge absorbs rapidly following tooth extraction. To promote implant rehabilitation, an adequate bone and soft tissue volume are required. Three-dimensional (3D) cell printing technique provides the advantages of precise spatial distribution and personalization. In this study, 3D cell printing was used to establish a soft-hard construct that is composed of alginate/gelatin (AG)/gingival fibroblast cells (GFs) and alginate/gelatin/nano-hydroxyapatite (AGH)/bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Physicochemical results showed that nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) added in the bioink maintained its crystalline phase. In addition, an increase of viscosity, the improvement of compressive modulus (p < 0.01), and slow degradation rate (p < 0.01) were found after adding nHA. SEM showed cell stretched and attached well on the surface of the 3D printed construct. At day 7 after printing, the viability of GFs in AG was 94.80% ± 1.14%, while BMSC viability in AGH was 86.59% ± 0.75%. Polymerase chain reaction results indicated that the expression levels of ALP, RUNX-2, and OCN in BMSCs were higher in AGH than AG bioink (p < 0.01). After 8-week implantation into the dorsum of 6- to 8-week-old male athymic and inbred (BALB/c) nude mice, the cellular printed construct displayed a more integrated structure and better healing of subcutaneous tissue compared with the acellular printed construct. In conclusion, this 3D cell printed soft-hard construct exhibits favorable biocompatibility and has potential for alveolar ridge preservation. Impact statement Alveolar ridge resorption after tooth extraction has posed great difficulty in the subsequent restorative procedure. Clinically, to preserve the dimension of alveolar ridge, covering soft tissue healing and underlying bone formation is necessary after tooth extraction. Three-dimensional (3D) cell printing, which can distribute different biomaterials and cells with spatial control, provides a novel approach to develop a customized plug to put in the fresh socket to minimize bone resorption and improve gingiva growth. In this study, an integrated and heterogeneous soft-hard construct with lock-key structure was successfully developed using 3D cell printing. The physicochemical and biological properties were tested in vitro and in vivo. This 3D cell printed soft-hard construct will be a customized plug in alveolar ridge preservation in the future.

Evaluation of the mechanical properties and clinical efficacy of biphasic calcium phosphate-added collagen membrane in ridge preservation

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility and the mechanical properties of ultraviolet (UV) cross-linked and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)-added collagen membranes and to compare the clinical results of ridge preservation to those obtained using chemically cross-linked collagen membranes.

METHODS

The study comprised an in vitro test and a clinical trial for membrane evaluation. BCP-added collagen membranes with UV cross-linking were prepared. In the in vitro test, scanning electron microscopy, a collagenase assay, and a tensile strength test were performed. The clinical trial involved 14 patients undergoing a ridge preservation procedure. All participants were randomly divided into the test group, which received UV cross-linked membranes (n=7), and the control group, which received chemically cross-linked membranes (n=7). BCP bone substitutes were used for both the test group and the control group. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed and alginate impressions were taken 1 week and 3 months after surgery. The casts were scanned via an optical scanner to measure the volumetric changes. The results were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The fastest degradation rate was found in the collagen membranes without the addition of BCP. The highest enzyme resistance and the highest tensile strength were found when the collagen-to-BCP ratio was 1:1. There was no significant difference in dimensional changes in the 3-dimensional modeling or CBCT scans between the test and control groups in the clinical trial (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of BCP and UV cross-linking improved the biocompatibility and the mechanical strength of the membranes. Within the limits of the clinical trial, the sites grafted using BCP in combination with UV cross-linked and BCP-added collagen membranes (test group) did not show any statistically significant difference in terms of dimensional change compared with the control group.

Evaluation of motion artifacts in cone-beam computed tomography with three different patient positioning

OBJECTIVES

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), despite its advantages, has some drawbacks, such as artifacts and movement of the patient during scanning may lead to motion artifacts (MAs). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the MAs in three different CBCT devices and to analyze their relationship with age, the gender of the patients, and scanning times.

METHODS

This study included 360 CBCT images from three institutions scanned in standing, sitting and supine positions. MAs presence, age, gender, and scanning times were recorded. Of the patients, 129 were scanned in standing position, 131 in sitting position, and 100 in supine position.

RESULTS

MAs were found in 6.7% of patients in total; 8%, 7.6%, and 4% in standing, sitting, and supine positions, respectively. No statistically significant relationship was observed between MAs presence and patient position. The mean age of the patients with MAs was higher than patients without, in total and in standing positions. Scanning time showed no correlation with artifact presence.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient position is not related to MAs presence. The age of the patient is a factor in movement, and has a high impact in standing position. Although insignificant, MAs were less common in supine position than sitting and standing positions. Sitting and supine positioning might reduce motion artifacts in older patients.

[Two procedures for ridge preservation of molar extraction sites affected by severe bone defect due to advanced periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and to compare dimensional alterations of hard and soft tissues in molar extraction sites with irregular deficiency of bone plates due to advanced periodontitis receiving two different procedures, namely the flapped and flapless techniques with Bio-Gide membrane covering the Bio-Oss material for ridge preservation.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with 24 infected-molar extraction sites received ridge preservation procedure, the first consecutive 12 sites belonged to the flap group (a full thickness mucoperiosteal flap and primary soft tissue closure) and the following 12 sites belonged to the flapless group (minimal flap with a collagen sponge and a secondary soft tissue closure). Width of keratinized tissue was evaluated before tooth extraction and after 6-month healing. Parallel periapical radiographs were taken immediately and 6 months after extraction to evaluate vertical bone changes. The width of the ridge was measured in the center of the ridge at the time of tooth extraction and after 6 months at implant placement.

RESULTS

After 6 months, width of keratinized tissue decreased (1.6±1.5) mm in the flap group (P=0.004) when compared with (0.3±1.6) mm in the flapless group (P>0.05). Both groups showed increases in ridge height from the central aspect, (5.53±4.20) mm for flap group and (7.70±4.35) mm for flapless group. These differences between the groups were not statistically significant (P=0.226). The ridge widths were (9.5±2.2) mm for flap group and (9.3±1.0) mm for flapless group at the time of implant insertion, and no statistical significance was observed between the flap and flapless groups.

CONCLUSION

The study points out that both ridge preservation techniques were effective in increasing ridge height and minimizing ridge resorption after tooth extraction, and the ridge width allowed the placement of implants 6 months after ridge preservation. The flapless technique gave positive outcome in terms of the keratinized gingival width than that of the flap technique.