Clinical and histologic analysis of calcium sulfate in treatment of a post-extraction defect: a case report.

We report a case of a postextraction maxillary buccal dehiscence grafted with calcium sulfate to insert a dental implant. The clinical results were supported by histologic analysis of two specimens collected in the healed socket to better understand the biologic effects of calcium sulfate. A 42-year-old white female presented with an almost totally edentulous maxillary right arch with a wide postextraction defect in the canine region. Calcium sulfate mixed with sterile saline solution to a putty-like consistency was packed into the defect, and four dental implants were placed in the edentulous ridge. On re-entry, a dental implant and small amounts of calcium sulfate were placed in the grafted site. After 5 months, a specimen of the region implanted with calcium sulfate was retrieved for histologic evaluation. On surgical re-entry, a complete filling of the defect with mature, dense, newly formed bone occurred. Complete resorption of the grafted material and its substitution with newly formed bone tissue were confirmed by histologic analysis. All of the implants appeared to be osseointegrated successfully, and the patient was provided with a fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Calcium sulfate represents an aid in bone regeneration procedures.