Post‐extraction evaluation of sockets with one plate loss – a microtomographic and histological study

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of socket repair after teeth extraction with loss of a bone plate. Material and Method Lower incisors were extracted from 120‐day‐old male rabbits. A standardized defect of 5 mm in the buccal plate was created in one of the socket sites. Furthermore, complete closures of the sockets entrance were performed. Two groups of biopsies were obtained: one with 14 days of healing and the other with 112, to perform the micro‐ CT and histological evaluations of the tested group with plate loss comparing with the control group with the intact buccal bone wall. Results Plate loss sites demonstrated reduction in width when compared to the intact ones and, this difference decreased with time. Conclusion Long‐term analysis showed that plate loss interfered in final ridge measurements by reducing the middle portion of the socket width compared to the intact plate sockets. The histological and micro‐ CT qualitative analysis showed that both sites presented similar pattern of healing, despite the reduced dimension found in plate loss sites.