2‐Dimensional changes of the soft tissue profile of augmented and non‐augmented human extraction sockets: a randomized pilot study

Abstract Aim This study identified the soft tissue changes of the alveolar ridge at different time points within 12 weeks after tooth extraction with and without socket augmentation. Materials and Methods In 38 patients with single tooth extractions, 40 sockets were augmented and 39 extraction sockets were not augmented. At 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks impressions were taken and casts digitized with a laser scanner. The horizontal and vertical changes were compared between augmented and non‐augmented sites. A p ‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean changes of augmented sockets were between 0.4 mm (2 weeks) and 0.8 mm (12 weeks). In non‐augmented sockets changes of 0.7 mm (2 weeks) and of 1.0 mm (12 weeks) were demonstrated. The mean values differed significantly between the buccal and oral region ( p < 0.01). Overall, there were significant differences of the mean dimensional changes regarding time ( p < 0.01) and augmentation ( p < 0.01). Conclusions Augmented sockets showed less resorption within 4 weeks after extraction compared to non‐augmented sockets. Non‐augmented sockets showed a continuous dimensional loss with a great variation over 12 weeks whereas augmented sockets had the highest degree of resorption between 4 and 6 weeks. At 12 weeks a comparable resorption in augmented and non‐augmented sockets was observed.