An Analysis of Different Techniques Used to Seal Post-Extractive Sites—A Preliminary Report

Comparison of Different Techniques in Post-Extractive Socket Regeneration Using Autologous Tooth Graft: Histological and Clinical Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

 Post-extractive socket grafting techniques reduce alveolar ridge dimensional changes. Numerous graft materials have been suggested and a growing interest in tooth material has been observed as a valuable alternative to synthetic biomaterials or xenografts. Furthermore, different clinical procedures have been proposed for the wound closure of the post-extractive site. This study aims to compare histological and clinical outcomes of two different surgical techniques to seal the post-extractive site with the use of autologous demineralized extracted tooth as graft material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Sixteen post-extractive socket without buccal and/or palatal bone walls, in sixteen healthy patients, were grafted with the autologous tooth material treated by the new Tooth Transformer device (Tooth Transformer, Milan, Italy). Alveolar socket preservation procedures were performed without flap elevation. Patients were randomly subdivided into two equal groups according to the site closure technique. In group A, the pedunculate tissue was used, while in group B ice cone technique. A bone samples were collected in each site after 4 months for histological analysis.

RESULTS

 No significant clinical differences among the different sealing techniques were observed. In both groups, the site was filled by new bone formation after 4 months of healing. The histological analysis revealed 46.1 ± 8.07% of bone volume, 9.2 ± 9.46% of residual graft, and 35.2 ± 12.36% of vital bone in group A, while group B shows 41.22 ± 5.88% of bone volume, 7.94 ± 7.54% of residual graft, and 31.7 ± 7.52% new bone. No statistical differences were detected (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 Further studies with a large number of patients, and different observation periods will be needed to confirm the results of this pilot study; however, the interesting data obtained have shown how these techniques, mixed with the autologous dentin derived graft material, seem to promote bone regeneration and reduce physiological bone resorption during alveolar socket preservation treatments.

Hyaluronic Acid Treatment of Post-Extraction Tooth Socket Healing in Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A Randomized Split-Mouth Controlled Study

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of HA in improving post-extraction socket healing in subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. DM patients requiring bilateral extraction of the homologous teeth were visited at the C.I.R. Dental School, University of Turin. After the extractions, one site was randomly assigned to the test (T) group (postoperative application of HA), while the other site was assigned to the control group (C, no treatment). Patients were then followed after 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. Primary outcomes were the healing index and socket closure. The Mann-Whitney test or the Student's t-test was used for nonparametric or parametric distributed variables. The chi-square test was used if the estimated data in any given cell were >5, otherwise the Fisher test was adopted. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In total, 36 patients (n = 36) were enrolled in this study for a total of 72 extractions (n = 72). Sockets treated with HA showed significantly (p < 0.05) better healing index values at day 7 (p = 0.01) and at day 14 (p = 0.02) and significantly (p < 0.05) better socket closure values at day 3 (p = 0.04), day 7 (p = 0.001) and day 14 (p = 0.001) compared to the C group. Based on the clinical results, HA seems to be promising in improving the timing and the quality of post-extractive wound healing in DM patients. Further clinical research, as well as histological investigations, are required to confirm the results.

Extraction Socket Augmentation with Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): The Rationale for Socket Augmentation

After tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge undergoes a physiological process of remodelling and disuse atrophy. Socket augmentation (SA) has been shown to preserve alveolar bone volume in order to facilitate implant placement and reduce the need for staged grafting at a later date. Although autogenic grafting has been shown to be the gold standard in bone regeneration, it has significant disadvantages. To prevent post-extraction volumetric alterations and alveolar bone resorption occurring, alternative grafting materials, including xenografts, alloplasts, and allografts, have been used successfully in fresh extraction sites. However, these materials act mostly as bio-scaffolds and require a slower integration period of 6-8 months prior to implant placement. Recently, the use of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been advocated alongside socket augmentation as a method of bio-enhancement of healing of soft and hard tissues. PRF contains platelet-derived growth factors, hormones, and bioactive components such as cytokines that have been shown to promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration during wound healing. The aim of this article is to review the evidence base for the SA technique Clinical benefits of SA will be discussed with a reference to two cases. Therefore, this narrative review will discuss the post-extraction bone changes, the importance of SA, and the bio-enhancement role of PRF in the management of extraction site defects when the alternative technique of immediate implant placement is not possible or contraindicated.

Bone Regeneration: Overview and Future Trends

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