Biological width following immediate implant placement in the dog: flap vs. flapless surgery

Objective: To assess the marginal soft tissue healing process after flap or flapless surgery in immediate implant placement in a dog model. Material and methods: This study was carried out on five Beagle dogs. Four implants were placed in the lower jaw in each dog immediately after tooth extraction. Flap surgery was performed before the extraction on one side (control) and flapless on the other (test). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and prepared for histological analysis. Results: Ten implants were placed in each group. Two failed (one of each group). The length of the junctional epithelium in the flapless group was 2.54 mm (buccal) and 2.11 mm (lingual). In the flap group, the results were very similar: 2.59 mm (buccal) and 2.07 mm (lingual), with no significant differences observed between the groups. The length of the connective tissue in the flapless group was 0.68 mm (buccal) and 0.54 mm (lingual), and 1.09 mm at the buccal and 0.91 mm at the lingual aspect in the flap group, with no significant differences between groups. The difference between the mean distance from the peri‐implant mucosa margin to the first bone–implant contact at the buccal aspect was significant between both groups (3.02 mm‐flapless and 3.69 mm flap group). However, this difference was mostly due to the Pm3 group (flapless: 2.95/flap: 3.76) because no difference could be detected in the Pm4 group. Both groups showed minimal recession, with no significant differences between groups (flapless group – 0.6 mm buccal and 0.42 mm lingual; flap group – 0.67 and 0.13 mm). Conclusion: The clinical evaluation of immediate implant placement after 3 months of healing indicated that buccal soft tissue retraction was lower in the flapless group than in the flap group, without significant differences. The mean values of the biological width longitudinal dimension at the buccal aspect were higher in the flap group than in the flapless group, this difference being mostly due to the Pm3, probably because of a thinner biotype in this region. To cite this article:
Blanco J, Alves CC, Nuñez V, Aracil L, Muñoz F, Ramos I. Biological width following immediate implant placement in the dog: flap vs. flapless surgery.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 624–631.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01885.x     

Soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading: an experimental study in the beagle dog

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the peri‐implant soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading. Material and methods: This study was carried out on six beagle dogs. Four implants were placed (two per side) immediately after tooth extraction (third and fourth premolars). Flapless immediate implant placement was performed in one hemimandible (control). The same procedure was performed in the contralateral side and immediate prosthesis was connected (test). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed. Results: None of the implants and prosthesis were lost. Barrier epithelium in the loaded group was 2.51 mm at the buccal and 2.34 mm at the lingual aspect. In the no loaded group, the results were similar, 2.54 and 2.2 mm at the buccal and lingual side, respectively. Connective tissue in the loaded group was 1.38 mm at the buccal and 0.65 mm at the lingual aspect, and in the no loaded group 1.48 mm at the buccal and 0.53 mm at the lingual side. Biological width dimensions were 3.9 mm at the buccal and 2.95 mm at the lingual aspect for the loaded group, and 4.01 and 2.64 mm at the buccal and lingual aspect for the no loaded group. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggested that soft tissues dimensions around immediate implants with immediate loading were similar to immediate implants without loading. To cite this article:
Blanco J, Carral C, Liñares, A, Pérez J, Muñoz F. Soft tissue dimensions in flapless immediate implants with and without immediate loading: an experimental study in the beagle dog.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 2012; 70–75.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02183.x     

Flap vs. “flapless” surgical approach at immediate implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs

Aim: To compare the remodeling of the alveolar process at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets by applying a flap or a “flapless” surgical approach in a dog model. Material and methods: Implants were installed immediately into the distal alveoli of the second mandibular premolars of six Labrador dogs. In one side of the mandible, a full‐thickness mucoperiosteal flap was elevated (control site), while contra‐laterally, the mucosa was gently dislocated, but not elevated (test site) to disclose the alveolar crest. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, ground sections were obtained and a histomorphometric analysis was performed. Results: After 4 months of healing, all implants were integrated (n=6). Both at the test and at the control sites, bone resorption occurred with similar outcomes. The buccal bony crest resorption was 1.7 and 1.5 mm at the control and the test sites, respectively. Conclusions: “Flapless” implant placement into extraction sockets did not result in the prevention of alveolar bone resorption and did not affect the dimensional changes of the alveolar process following tooth extraction when compared with the usual placement of implants raising mucoperiosteal flaps. To cite this article:
Caneva M, Botticelli D, Salata LA, Souza SLS, Bressan E, Lang NP. Flap vs. “flapless” surgical approach at immediate implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 1314–1319.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01959.x     

Ridge alterations following tooth extraction with and without flap elevation: an experimental study in the dog

Background: Different approaches were advocated to preserve or improve the dimension and contour of the ridge following tooth extraction. In some of studies, socket 'flapless extraction' apparently had a successful outcome.
Aim: The objective of the present experiment was to compare hard tissue healing following tooth extraction with or without the prior elevation of mucosal full-thickness flaps.
Material and methods: Five mongrel dogs were used. The two second mandibular premolars (₂P₂) were hemi-sected. The mesial roots were retained. By random selection the distal root in one side was removed after the elevation of full-thickness flaps while on the contralateral side, root extraction was performed in a flapless procedure. The soft tissue wound was closed with interrupted sutures. After 6 months of healing, the dogs were euthanized and biopsies were sampled. From each experimental site, four ground sections – two from the mesial root and two from the healed socket – were prepared, stained and examined in the microscope.
Results: The data showed that the removal of a single tooth (root) during healing caused a marked change in the edentulous ridge. In the apical and middle portions of the socket site minor dimensional alterations occurred while in the coronal portion of the ridge the reduction of the hard tissue volume was substantial. Similar amounts of hard tissue loss occurred during healing irrespective of the procedure used to remove the tooth was, i.e. flapless or following flap elevation.
Conclusion: Tooth loss (extraction) resulted in marked alterations of the ridge. The size of the alveolar process was reduced. The procedure used for tooth extraction – flapless or following flap elevation – apparently did not influence the more long-term outcome of healing.     

Ridge alterations following immediate implant placement in the dog: flap versus flapless surgery

Objective: To assess the healing process after flap or flapless surgery in immediate implant placement.
Material and Methods: This study was carried out on five Beagle dogs. Four implants were placed in the lower jaw in each dog immediately after tooth extraction. Flap surgery was performed before the extraction on one side (control), and flapless on the contrary (test). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and prepared for histological analysis.
Results: Ten implants were placed in each group. Two failed (one of each group). The percentage of bone–implant contact was very similar in both groups: 64.8% and 65.1% for the flap and the flapless group, respectively. The difference between the mean distance from the peri-implant mucosa margin to the first bone–implant contact at the buccal aspect was statistically significant between both groups (3.02 mm. flapless and 3.69 mm. flap group). The mean first bone–implant contact at the buccal aspect was located in relation to the sand-blasted and acid-etched level at 0.82 mm for the flapless group and 1.33 mm for the flap group. This difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Flapless immediate implant surgery produces a significant reduction in the vestibular biologic width and a minor reduction in buccal bone plate resorption.     

Factors influencing ridge alterations following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets

Aim: To identify factors that may influence ridge alterations occurring at the buccal aspect of the extraction site following immediate implant placement.
Material and methods: In 93 subjects, single-tooth implants were placed immediately into extraction sockets in the maxilla (tooth locations 15–25). A series of measurements describing the extraction site were made immediately after implant installation and at re-entry, 16 weeks later. The implant sites were stratified according to four factors: (i) implant location (anterior/posterior), (ii) cause of tooth extraction (periodontitis/non-periodontitis), (iii) thickness of the buccal bone walls (≤1/>1 mm) and (iv) the dimension of the horizontal buccal gap (≤1/>1 mm).
Results: (i) The location where the implant was placed (anterior/posterior) as well as (ii) the thickness of the buccal bone crest and (iii) the size of the horizontal buccal gap significantly influenced the amount of hard tissue alteration that occurred during a 4-month period of healing. At implant sites in the premolar segment, the fill of the horizontal gap was more pronounced than in the incisor–canine segment, while the vertical crest reduction was significantly smaller. Furthermore, at sites where the buccal bone wall was thick (>1 mm) and where the horizontal gap was large (>1 mm), the degree of gap fill was substantial.
Conclusions: The thickness of the buccal bone wall as well as the dimension of the horizontal gap influenced the hard tissue alterations that occur following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets.
To cite this article:
Ferrus J, Cecchinato D, Pjetursson EB, Lang NP, Sanz M, Lindhe J. Factors influencing ridge alterations following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res . 21 , 2009; 22–29.     

Dimensional ridge alterations following socket preservation using a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste: a histomorphometrical study in dogs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the histological response and dimensional ridge alterations following application of a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste (NHA) into fresh extraction sockets in dogs. Immediately following vertical tooth separation and extraction, NHA was inserted in the extraction socket of the second molar in the lower jaws of 10 dogs. Untreated extraction sites on the opposite side served as controls. Wounds were closed using resorbable sutures after vertical flap elevation. After three and six months, 5 animals were killed. Lingual and buccal bone height, alveolar wall and total bone width 1, 3 and 5mm underneath the top of the crest were evaluated. Histological analysis revealed a high variability of NHA resorption and osteoconductive properties with different rates of material resorption. No statistically significant differences could be observed between the corresponding aspects of test and control sites. Both groups revealed higher alveolar wall resorption on the buccal than on the lingual side at both time periods. NHA does not seem to be useful for socket preservation procedures since it failed to prevent dimensional ridge alterations while revealing osseous integration but unpredictable material resorption. The role of non-resorbed hydroxyapatite remnants for implant placement is unclear and requires further investigation.     

Hard-tissue alterations following immediate implant placement in extraction sites

BACKGROUND: The marginal gap that may occur following implant installation in an extraction socket may be resolved by hard-tissue fill during healing. OBJECTIVE: To study dimensional alterations of hard tissues that occur following tooth extraction and immediate placement of implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen subjects with a total of 21 teeth scheduled for extraction were included. Following flap elevation and the removal of a tooth and implant installation, clinical measurements were made to characterize the dimension of the surrounding bone walls, as well as the marginal defect. No membranes or filler material was used. The flaps were subsequently replaced and secured with sutures in such a way that the healing cap of the implant was exposed to the oral environment. After 4 months of healing a re-entry procedure was performed and the clinical measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Fifty-two marginal defects exceeding 3 mm were present at baseline: 21 at buccal, 17 at lingual/palatal, and 14 at approximal surfaces. At the re-entry eight defects exceeding 3.0 mm remained. During the 4 months of healing, the bone walls of the extraction underwent marked change. The horizontal resorption of the buccal bone dimension amounted to about 56%. The corresponding resorption of the lingual/palatal bone was 30%. The vertical bone crest resorption amounted to 0.3+/-0.6 mm (buccal), 0.6+/-1.0 mm (lingual/palatal), 0.2+/-0.7 mm (mesial), and 0.5+/-0.9 mm (distal). CONCLUSION: The marginal gap that occurred between the metal rod and the bone tissue following implant installation in an extraction socket may predictably heal with new bone formation and defect resolution. The current results further documented that marginal gaps in buccal and palatal/lingual locations were resolved through new bone formation from the inside of the defects and substantial bone resorption from the outside of the ridge.     

The effect of ultrasound on bone dimensional changes following extraction: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Because of bone resorption following tooth extraction, preservation of adequate bony dimension is performed often for subsequent treatment with dental implants. This study evaluated a novel, non-invasive treatment using ultrasound to accelerate healing following extraction to minimize alveolar bone loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the dimensional healing changes of alveolar bone following tooth extraction using cone-beam volumetric tomography (CBVT). METHODS: This randomized, split-mouth trial involved 12 subjects requiring extraction of two contralateral erupted permanent teeth. Baseline CBVT scans were captured 7 to 10 days following extraction, after which time ultrasound therapy commenced in test sites. Ultrasound therapy was delivered for 20 minutes using a piezoelectric transducer for 10 sessions over the subsequent 4 weeks. Follow-up radiographic scans were obtained at 4 weeks and 3 months postextraction. Analyses of variance and covariance were performed to assess dimensional changes over the 3-month healing period. RESULTS: Analysis of dimensional changes in all measures of vertical height and horizontal width demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the ultrasound and control groups from baseline to 3 months postextraction. Evaluation of correlations between dimensional changes demonstrated a moderately strong correlation (r = 0.67; P = 0.023) in the ultrasound group between the change in buccal vertical height and the baseline crestal ridge width. Analysis of the change in buccal vertical height relative to baseline crestal width demonstrated a statistically significant benefit to ultrasound compared to control (P = 0.016). This benefit was more pronounced in wider sockets compared to narrow sockets. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, there was no significant benefit to ultrasound in absolute bony dimensional changes following tooth extraction. There was a significant interaction between the treatment rendered (ultrasound versus control) and the change in buccal ridge height relative to baseline ridge width at the crest and 3 mm apical to the crest. This benefit was apparent in wide sockets compared to narrow sockets; however, the clinical importance of these relative dimensional changes in the ultrasound group are difficult to determine given the inclusion of all tooth types in a pilot study with a small sample size.     

Buccal Bone Formation After Flapless Extraction: A Randomized,Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/Absorbable Collagen Carrier and Collagen Sponge Alone

Background: Flapless extraction of teeth allows for undisturbed preservation of the nearby periosteum and a source of osteoprogenitor cells. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) has been used for different bone augmentation purposes with great osteoinductive capacity. The aim of this study is to compare the bone regenerative ability of rhBMP‐2 on an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) carrier to a collagen sponge (CS) alone in extraction sites with ≥50% buccal dehiscence. Methods: Thirty‐nine patients requiring extraction of a hopeless tooth with ≥50% buccal dehiscence were enrolled. After flapless extraction and randomization, either rhBMP‐2/ACS carrier or CS alone was placed in the extraction site. After extraction, a baseline cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was obtained of the site, and a similar scan was obtained 5 months postoperatively. Medical imaging and viewing software were used to compare the baseline and 5‐month postoperative images of the study site and assess ridge width measurements, vertical height changes, and buccal plate regeneration. Results: Radiographically, CBCT analysis showed that with ≥50% of buccal bone destruction, rhBMP‐2/ACS was able to regenerate a portion of the lost buccal plate, maintain theoretical ridge dimensions, and allow for implant placement 5 months after extraction. The test group performed significantly (P <0.05) better in regard to clinical buccal plate regeneration (4.75 versus 1.85 mm), clinical ridge width at 5 months (6.0 versus 4.62 mm), and radiographic ridge width at 3 mm from the alveolar crest (6.17 versus 4.48 mm) after molar exclusion. There was also significantly (P <0.05) less remaining buccal dehiscence, both clinically (6.81 versus 10.0 mm) and radiographically (3.42 versus 5.16 mm), at 5 months in the test group. Significantly (P <0.05) more implants were placed in the test group without the need for additional augmentation. The mean loss in vertical ridge height (lingual/palatal) was less in the test sites but was not significantly (P = 0.514) different between the test and control groups (0.39 versus 0.64 mm). Conclusions: rhBMP‐2/ACS compared to CS alone used in flapless extraction sites with a buccal dehiscence is able to regenerate lost buccal plate, maintain theoretical ridge dimensions, and allow for implant placement 5 months later.     

Hard tissue alterations after socket preservation: an experimental study in the beagle dog

Objectives: The aim of the following experimental study was to assess bone changes in the horizontal and vertical dimension when using different socket preservation procedures. Material and methods: In five beagle dogs the distal roots of the 3rd and 4th premolar were extracted without elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap and the following treatments were assigned: Tx 1: The extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen^® (Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and interrupted sutures were applied.: Tx 2: The extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen^® (Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and a free gingival graft was sutured to cover the socket.: Tx 3: The extraction socket was left with its blood clot and interrupted sututes were applied.: Four month after surgery the dogs were sacrificed and from each extraction site two histological sections were selected for histometric analysis. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) the vertical dimension was determined by placing a horizontal line on the lingual bone wall. Then, the distance from this line to the buccal bone wall was measured. (2) The horizontal dimension was assessed at three different areas measured from the top of the lingual crest: 1 mm (Value 1), 3 mm (Value 3) and 5 mm (Value 5). Results: The mean vertical loss of the buccal bone plate for the Tx 1 group was 2.8±0.2 mm. The Tx 2 group showed vertical loss of 3.3±0.2 mm. The Tx 3 group demonstrated 3.2±0.2 mm of mean vertical loss. The horizontal dimension of the alveolar process was 4.4±0.3/6.1±0.2/7.2±0.1 mm at the three different levels for the Tx 1 group. The Tx 2 group depicted bone dimensions of 4.8±0.2/6.0±0.2/7.1±0.1 mm. The horizontal dimension of the Tx 3 group was 3.7±0.3/6.2±0.2/7.0±0.1 mm. When the results from the horizontal measurements were tested with the analysis of variance (anova ), a clear significance could be found in particular for Value 1 mm between the test groups Tx 1 and Tx 2 and the control group (Tx 3) (P<0.001). Furthermore the mean of treatment 1 (Tx 1) was slightly significantly lower than of treatment 2 (Tx 2) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings from the present study disclose that incorporation of BioOss Collagen^® into the extraction socket has only limited impact on the subsequent biologic process with particular respect to the buccal bone plate. The horizontal measurement of the alveolar ridge depicted that the loss of the buccal bone plate was replaced to a certain amount by newly generated bone guided by the BioOss Collagen^® scaffold. It seems that the mechanical stability provided by BioOss Collagen^® and furthermore by a free gingival graft could act as a placeholder preventing the soft tissue from collapsing.     

Xenograft versus extraction alone for ridge preservation after tooth removal: a clinical and histomorphometric study

BACKGROUND: The preservation of bone volume immediately after tooth removal might be necessary to optimize the success of implant placement in terms of esthetics and function. The objectives of this randomized clinical trial were two-fold: 1) to compare the bone dimensional changes following tooth extraction with extraction plus ridge preservation using corticocancellous porcine bone and a collagen membrane; and 2) to analyze and compare histologic and histomorphometric aspects of the extraction-alone sites to the grafted sites. METHODS: Forty subjects who required tooth extraction and implant placement were enrolled in this study. Using a computer-generated randomization list, the subjects were randomly assigned to the control group (EXT; extraction alone) or to the test group (RP; ridge-preservation procedure with corticocancellous porcine bone and collagen membrane). The following parameters were assessed immediately after extraction and 7 months prior to implant placement: plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, horizontal ridge width, and vertical ridge changes. A bone biopsy was taken from the control and test sites 7 months after the surgical treatment. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were also performed. RESULTS: A significantly greater horizontal reabsorption was observed at EXT sites (4.3+/-0.8 mm) compared to RP sites (2.5+/-1.2 mm). The ridge height reduction at the buccal side was 3.6+/-1.5 mm for the extraction-alone group, whereas it was 0.7+/-1.4 mm for the ridge-preservation group. Moreover, the vertical change at the lingual sites was 0.4 mm in the ridge-preservation group and 3 mm in the extraction-alone group. Forty biopsies were harvested from the experimental sites (test and control sites). The biopsies harvested from the grafted sites revealed the presence of trabecular bone, which was highly mineralized and well structured. Particles of the grafted material could be identified in all samples. The bone formed in the control sites was also well structured with a minor percentage of mineralized bone. The amount of connective tissue was significantly higher in the extraction-alone group than in the ridge-preservation group. CONCLUSIONS: The ridge-preservation approach using porcine bone in combination with collagen membrane significantly limited the resorption of hard tissue ridge after tooth extraction compared to extraction alone. Furthermore, the histologic analysis showed a significantly higher percentage of trabecular bone and total mineralized tissue in ridge-preservation sites compared to extraction-alone sites 7 months after tooth removal.     

Measurement of ridge alterations following tooth removal: a radiographic study in humans

Objective: The aim of this study was a radiographic mesiodistal analysis of the shape of the bone crest 3 months after tooth removal. Material and methods: One hundred single tooth extractions were performed on 100 patients because of orthodontic or prosthetic causes. Bite blocks were used for two radiographs: one on the day of extraction and the other after healing of the socket, 3 months later. These X‐rays were used to determine: (1) the most apical distance of alveolar ridge resorption, with baseline as the line between bone‐to‐teeth contact (the greatest distance in bone resorption height) and (2) the mesiodistal distance (MDD) and mesial and distal angles arising after bone tissue modeling. Results: Significant differences (P<0.05) emerged between the MDDs of multiple‐ [8 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.09, 9.90] and single‐root teeth (5.60 mm, 95% CI: 4.80, 6.50). However, mesial or distal angles or the most apical distance of alveolar ridge resorption did not differ (mean distance in height=4.32 mm, 95% CI: 3.85, 4.78; mean angle=24°). Conclusions: In this study, the post‐extraction mesiodistal bone distance between teeth adjacent to the edentulous ridge depends on the size of the edentulous space. Nevertheless, the distance does not affect the distance in bone loss height. The distance of bone resorption height reaches a balance at the midpoint, which we consider indicative of stable healing. This resorption process must be considered when placing dental implants in fresh extraction sockets, especially in aesthetic sites, because the implant surfaces could be exposed after 3 months. To cite this article:
Moya‐Villaescusa MJ, Sánchez‐Pérez A. Measurement of ridge alterations following tooth removal: a radiographic study in humans.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 237–242.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01831.x     

Bone dimensional variations at implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: a multilevel multivariate analysis

Aim: To use multilevel, multivariate models to analyze factors that may affect bone alterations during healing after an implant immediately placed into an extraction socket. Material and methods: Data included in the current analysis were obtained from a clinical trial in which a series of measurements were performed to characterize the extraction site immediately after implant installation and at re‐entry 4 months later. A regression multilevel, multivariate model was built to analyze factors affecting the following variables: (i) the distance between the implant surface and the outer bony crest (S‐OC), (ii) the horizontal residual gap (S‐IC), (iii) the vertical residual gap (R‐D) and (iv) the vertical position of the bone crest opposite the implant (R‐C). Results: It was demonstrated that (i) the S‐OC change was significantly affected by the thickness of the bone crest; (ii) the size of the residual gap was dependent of the size of the initial gap and the thickness of the bone crest; and (iii) the reduction of the buccal vertical gap was dependent on the age of the subject. Moreover, the position of the implant opposite the alveolar crest of the buccal ridge and its bucco‐lingual implant position influenced the amount of buccal crest resorption. Conclusions: Clinicians must consider the thickness of the buccal bony wall in the extraction site and the vertical as well as the horizontal positioning of the implant in the socket, because these factors will influence hard tissue changes during healing. To cite this article:
Tomasi C, Sanz M, Cecchinato D, Pjetursson B, Ferrus J, Lang NP, Lindhe J. Bone dimensional variations at implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: a multilevel multivariate analysis.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 30–36.     

Porcine‐Derived Xenograft Combined with a Soft Cortical Membrane versus Extraction Alone for Implant Site Development: A Clinical Study in Humans

Background: An adequate alveolar crest is essential for implant placement in terms of esthetics and function. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the preservation of the alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction using porcine‐derived xenograft combined with a membrane versus extraction‐alone (EXT) sites. Methods: Fifteen patients who required double extraction of contralateral premolars and delayed implant placement were randomly selected to receive both ridge‐preservation procedure and EXT. The test sites (alveolar ridge preservation [ARP]) included 15 sockets treated using a corticocancellous porcine bone xenograft (OsteoBiol® Gen‐Os; Tecnoss srl, Giaveno, Italy) associated with a soft cortical membrane (OsteoBiol® Lamina; Tecnoss srl), while the corresponding control sites (EXT) were left without grafting for EXT. Horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions were recorded at baseline and 6 months after extractions. Results: After 6 months, the EXT sites showed a significantly greater reabsorption of the buccolingual/palatal dimension of the alveolar ridge (3.7 ± 1.2 mm) compared with the ARP sites (1.8 ± 1.3 mm). The mean vertical ridge height reduction in the control sockets was 3.1 ± 1.3 mm at the buccal sites and 2.4 ± 1.6 mm at the lingual sites compared with 0.6 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 1.3 mm, respectively, in the test sockets. The differences between test and control sockets were not significant for the mesial and distal measurements. Conclusions: The placement of a porcine xenograft with a membrane in an extraction socket can be used to reduce the hard tissue reabsorption after tooth extraction compared with EXT.     

Alveolar ridge preservation with guided bone regeneration and a synthetic bone substitute or a bovine‐derived xenograft: a randomized,controlled clinical trial

Objectives: The aim of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to compare the potential of a synthetic bone substitute or a bovine‐derived xenograft combined with a collagen membrane to preserve the alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction. Methods: Twenty‐seven patients were randomized into two treatment groups following single tooth extraction in the incisor, canine and premolar area. In the test group, the alveolar socket was grafted with Straumann Bone Ceramic^® (SBC), while in the control group, Bio‐Oss^® deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) was applied. In both groups, a collagen barrier was used to cover the grafting material. Complete soft tissue coverage of the barriers was not achieved. After 8 months, during re‐entry procedures and before implant placement, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the residual ridge were re‐evaluated and trephine biopsies were performed for histological analysis in all patients. Results: Twenty‐six patients completed the study. The bucco‐lingual dimension of the alveolar ridge decreased by 1.1±1 mm in the SBC group and by 2.1±1 in the DBBM group (P<0.05). Both materials preserved the mesio‐distal bone height of the ridge. No differences in the width of buccal and palatal bone plate were observed between the two groups. The histological analysis showed new bone formation in the apical part of the biopsies, which, in some instances, was in direct contact with both SBC and DBBM particles. The coronal part of the biopsies was occupied by a dense fibrous connective tissue surrounding the SBC and DBBM particles. Conclusion: Both biomaterials partially preserved the width and the interproximal bone height of the alveolar ridge. To cite this article:
Mardas N, Chadha V, Donos N. Alveolar ridge preservation with guided bone regeneration and a synthetic bone substitute or a bovine‐derived xenograft: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 688–698.     

Peri‐implant soft tissue and bone crest alterations at fixed dental prostheses: a 3‐year prospective study

Objectives: The aim of this 3‐year prospective study involving patients receiving implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) was to longitudinally evaluate soft and hard tissue alterations from the time of implant placement. Material and methods: Sixteen subjects with 18 implant‐supported FDPs on 43 implants were included in the study. Peri‐implant soft and hard tissue assessments were performed at implant placement, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Variables describing the peri‐implant soft tissue conditions and topography were assessed by clinical, photographic and study model assessments. Variables of implant position and bone topography were measured in radiographs taken at each examination interval. Multilevel regression models were formulated to identify factors of significance for proximal bone crest alterations and proximal soft tissue height. Results: During the first 6 months after the one‐stage implant placement surgery, the soft tissue margin receded about 0.6 mm at facial implant sites, while a mean increase was observed at tooth‐facing proximal sites (1.1 mm) and no change at inter‐implant sites. Loss in proximal bone crest height was more pronounced at inter‐implant than tooth–implant units at 6 months (0.6 vs. 0.1 mm). Between 6 and 36 months, no further significant soft or hard tissue changes were observed. Multilevel regression analysis revealed that the proximal bone crest level significantly influenced the proximal soft tissue height assessed from the implant/abutment level. Significant predictors for loss in proximal bone crest level over the 3 years were horizontal inter‐unit distance, type of proximal unit (tooth/implant or inter‐implant) and peri‐implant bone‐level change. Conclusions: Soft and hard tissue changes around implant‐supported FDPs took place primarily during the first 6 months after the one‐stage implant installation surgery. The pattern of tissue alterations during the follow‐up differed between tooth–implant and inter‐implant proximal sites. To cite this article:
Chang M, Wennström JL. Peri‐implant soft tissue and bone crest alterations at fixed dental prostheses: a 3‐year prospective study.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 527–534.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01874.x     

牙槽嵴保存术对不同牙槽骨缺损患者延迟种植效果的影响

目的:探讨牙槽嵴保存术对不同牙槽嵴骨缺损患者延迟种植效果的影响。方法:94例行下颌单颗后牙拔除术患者,根据牙拔除术前牙槽嵴骨缺损量不同将患者分为轻度组(n=53)和中重度组(n=41),行拔牙术后再将轻度组和中重度组分别随机分为保存术组和对照组,保存术组对牙槽窝采取牙槽嵴保存术,对照组对牙槽窝不做处理。结果:轻度组和中重度组患者术后6个月保存术组患者宽度减少量和高度减少量均小于对照组(P<0.05);轻度组和中重度组中保存术组和对照组患者术后6月时GRL较拔牙前增加,而PD和AL则较拔牙前减少;轻度组种植体直径4.1 mm和4.8 mm分别占26.4%和73.6%,而中重度组则分别为46.3%和53.7%,两组相比差异具有统计学意义(χ²=4.029,P=0.045);轻度组种植体长度分布与中重度组相比差异具有统计学意义(χ²=21.207,P=0.000)。结论:牙槽嵴保存术可有效减少拔牙术后植骨区牙槽嵴骨量损失,有利于延迟种植操作的开展,尤其对患牙拔除前牙槽嵴骨缺损量>5 mm的患者,效果尤为显著。     

Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels during healing period,adjacent to parallel‐screw cylinder implants inserted in the posterior zone of the jaws,placed with flapless surgery

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare changes at the marginal bone level adjacent to implants placed with flapless surgery and flap surgery during a stress‐free healing period. Material and methods: Seven hundred and eighty‐five implants were placed in 417 patients with a flapless approach and 459 implants were placed in 227 patients using flap techniques. The marginal bone level was determined radiographically, using digitized panoramic radiographs, at two time points: at implant placement (baseline) and after the healing period. Results: The median follow‐up time was 0.5 years (SD, 1.2; range: 0.3–0.7). Implants placed with flapless surgery had a mean crestal bone loss of 0.5 mm (SD, 0.5; range: ?0.7–2.4) and implants placed with flap surgery had a mean bone loss of 0.5 mm (SD, 0.7; range: ?2.0–3.0) after healing. Differences in bone level changes between smokers and non‐smokers were statistically significant for the flapless group (P<0.01). Conclusions: A radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels adjacent to implants showed comparable results for implants placed with flapless surgery and flap surgery. Appropriate case selection after virtual planning of the implant position and a sound surgical protocol is necessary for flapless surgery. Smoking habits may compromise the efficacy of flapless implant procedures. To cite this article:
Nickenig H‐J, Wichmann M, Schlegel KA, Nkenke E, Eitner S. Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels during healing period, adjacent to parallel‐screw cylinder implants inserted in the posterior zone of the jaws, placed with flapless surgery.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 1386–1393.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01961.x     

Socket grafting with the use of autologous bone: an experimental study in the dog

Background: Studies in humans and animals have shown that following tooth removal (loss), the alveolar ridge becomes markedly reduced. Attempts made to counteract such ridge diminution by installing implants in the fresh extraction sockets were not successful, while socket grafting with anorganic bovine bone mineral prevented ridge contraction. Aim: To examine whether grafting of the alveolar socket with the use of chips of autologous bone may allow ridge preservation following tooth extraction. Methods: In five beagle dogs, the distal roots of the third and fourth mandibular premolars were removed. The sockets in the right or the left jaw quadrant were grafted with either anorganic bovine bone or with chips of autologous bone harvested from the buccal bone plate. After 3 months of healing, biopsies of the experimental sites were sampled, prepared for buccal–lingual ground sections and examined with respect to size and composition. Results: It was observed that the majority of the autologous bone chips during healing had been resorbed and that the graft apparently did not interfere with socket healing or processes that resulted in ridge resorption. Conclusion: Autologous bone chips placed in the fresh extraction socket will (i) neither stimulate nor retard new bone formation and (ii) not prevent ridge resorption that occurs during healing following tooth extraction. To cite this article:
Araújo MG, Lindhe J. Socket grafting with the use of autologous bone: an experimental study in the dog.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 9–13.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01937.x