Alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molars with buccal or lingual bone defects: A retrospective case series.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Alveolar ridge preservation aims to limit alveolar resorption and promote bone formation after tooth extraction. However, evidence for its application in periodontally compromised molars with bone defects is limited.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molars with buccal or lingual bone wall deficiencies.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This study included 65 participants. Radiographic measurements were made using cone beam computed tomography before extraction and at least 5 months after surgery. Factors influencing radiographic outcomes were analyzed, changes in keratinized tissue width assessed, and implant treatment outcomes evaluated. Paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare continuous variables before and after surgery. Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors.

RESULTS

Significant increases were observed in central bone height (Maxilla: +4.69 mm, P<.001; Mandible: +7.82 mm, P<.001) and ridge width at 1 mm (Maxilla: +5.46 mm, P<.001; Mandible: +5.91 mm, P<.001) and 3 mm (Maxilla: +5.55 mm, P<.001; Mandible: +4.70 mm, P<.001) from the higher alveolar crests after alveolar ridge preservation. The height of socket bone walls significantly influenced the radiographic outcomes. Adequate keratinized tissue width was maintained (5.70 ±2.00 mm). Implant placement without additional bone augmentation was feasible in 69.5% of participants, with only 6.5% requiring staged bone augmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar extraction sites with buccal or lingual bone wall deficiencies created favorable hard and soft tissue conditions, thereby facilitating implant placement.