Socket Preservation Following Tooth Extraction Using Polilactide-Poliglicolide Acid Scaffold: Radiological and Histological Evaluation.

PURPOSE: Following tooth extraction, the healing process comprises bone resorption and soft tissue contraction, which have the potential to obstruct the optimal placement of implants, causing both functional and aesthetic limitations. This study is aimed at assessing the healing process of the extraction socket and the dimensional changes that occur after alveolar ridge preservation, utilizing a polylactide-co-glycolide scaffold (PLGA).

MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study involved the extraction of 28 teeth from 14 patients. The total number of sockets was 28, which were divided into two groups consisting of 14 study and 14 control sockets. The study group (SG) was subjected to socket preservation with PLGA scaffold while the control group (CG) was left for spontaneous healing. Measurements were taken before and after the operation, with cone beam computed tomographies (CBCT) being conducted at both the baseline and 4-month intervals. Samples for histological examination were obtained via trephine core biopsy and the implants were subsequently placed.

RESULTS: According to the histologic analyses, the PLGA scaffold was resorbed within four months. CBCT imaging revealed a decrease in the horizontal dimension of the crest at three distinct coronoapical levels in the SG, measuring 2.05±1.05 mm at -1 mm, 1.51±0.89 mm at -3 mm, and 0.92±0.7 mm at -5 mm level. The CG showed readings of 1.22±1 at -1 mm, 0.92±0.67 at -3 mm, and 0.73±0.69 at -5 mm levels. In comparison to CG, SG showed a significant reduction in horizontal losses at the -1 mm level. Vertical dimension of the crest decreased by 1.64±1.11 mm on the buccal bone height, 1.56±1.08 mm on lingual bone height in SG; in the CG, the buccal and lingual bone height had mean values of 2.08±1.44 mm and 1.73±1.27 mm, respectively. There was no significant statistical difference observed in the vertical losses between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Following a period of 4 months, it can be concluded that the PLGA scaffold was completely resorbed. Based on CBCT measurements, it was observed that horizontal resorption was lower than CG at the -1 mm coronal level.