Alveolar bone preservation by a hydroxyapatite/collagen composite material after tooth extraction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a hydroxyapatite/collagen composite material (HAp/Col) for preservation of alveolar bone after tooth extraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: HAp/Col was applied to the alveolus bone ridge preservation after tooth extraction, because of subsequent dental implant placement in 35 regions of 24 patients (mean age, 59.3 years; range, 25-81 years). Cone beam computed tomography was used to assess changes in alveolar bone at the extraction site before and at 3 months (mean, 13.7 weeks; range, 10-17 weeks) after tooth extraction. Changes in height and width of the alveolar bone were measured to evaluate bone reduction after surgery. Bone biopsy was performed at 11 regions of dental implant placement to observe bone regeneration and remaining material in the extraction socket.

RESULTS: The alveolar bone height was decreased by 0.00 ± 2.44 mm at the buccal side and 0.35 ± 1.73 mm at the lingual side, while the width was decreased by 1.02 ± 1.64 mm at 3 months after surgery. The middle of the socket floor was elevated by 5.71 ± 3.45 mm at 3 months after surgery. Bone biopsy specimens revealed no remaining implanted material, and approximately 49.79 ± 14.41% of the specimens were occupied by bone tissue.

CONCLUSIONS: According to the result of this study, HAp/Col is a reliable material to presearve alveolar bone after tooth extraction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HAp/Col contributes dental implant treatment due to maintain the alveolar bone after tooth extraction.