Digital image ratio: a new radiographic method for quantifying changes in alveolar bone. Part II: Clinical application

Tomographic late evaluation of xenogeneic bone grafts in sockets of impacted third molars

It is necessary to preserve height and thickness of the alveolar bone to facilitate rehabilitation with osteointegratable implants or simply to maintain bone integrity after extraction. Biomaterials associated with resorbable or non-resorbable membranes, when placed in the region of the socket, may contribute to avoid this unwanted reabsorption.

Radiographic assessment of impacted mandibular third molar sockets filled with composite xenogenic bone graft

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic aspect of the healing of extraction sockets filled with a xenogenic graft material (Gent-tech).

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients ranging in age from 15 years to 25 years with bilateral impacted mandibular molars were chosen based on bilateral mandibular similarities. After tooth extraction, the socket was filled with the graft. The opposite site was left to heal naturally and served as a control. The experimental and control sites were chosen randomly. Bone density and crest healing were evaluated on digital radiographs taken immediately, 2 months and 6 months after surgery. The respective pixels values obtained with the Digora software were compared statistically.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant decrease in the distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest, but no difference was found between the control and experimental groups. Bone density increased significantly, and there was difference between experimental and control groups.

CONCLUSION

The analysed parameters observed by the authors were similar to those of the control group, suggesting xenogenic graft being an acceptable material and a graft option.