Early changes of interproximal ridge height with alveolar ridge preservation of maxillary single anterior teeth

Abstract

This study aimed to provide foundation for interproximal bone preservation to improve esthetic effects of inter-implant papillar by alveolar ridge preservation following tooth extraction of maxillary single anterior teeth. A total of 30 patients requiring maxillary single anterior teeth extraction were randomly divided into test and control groups (15 cases in each group). The test group underwent alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction (Bio-Oss bone powder was implanted in alveolar fossa and fixed with surface free gingival graft suture). No other treatment was performed on the control group after tooth extraction. All patients were scanned using cone beam computed tomography with personalized digital radiographic template at 7 days and 6 months after tooth extraction. Then, measurement of height changes at the interproximal and middle buccal was performed. At the mesial and distal interproximal site, ridge height reduction in the test group measured (0.358±0.151) mm, (0.322±0.180) mm, whereas that of control group reached (0.653±0.260) mm, (0.667±0.274) mm, indicating statistical significance (P<0.05). At the middle buccal site, the ridge height reduction of test group amounted to (0.826±0.307) mm, whereas that of control group totaled (1.510±0.625) mm, also presenting statistical significance (P<0.05). Alveolar ridge preservation can reduce absorption of alveolar crest height after tooth extraction, which could improve esthetic effects of inter-implant papillae gingiva.