Preservation and augmentation of molar extraction sites affected by severe bone defect due to advanced periodontitis: A prospective clinical trial

Abstract Background Studies of the extracted infected‐molar ridge preservation are limited. Purpose To compare alterations of hard and soft tissue in infected‐molar sockets receiving ridge preservation compared with natural healing. Materials and Methods Thirty‐five infected‐molar extraction sites either preserving with Bio‐Gide membrane covered the Bio‐Oss material or receiving natural healing procedure as controls. The soft tissue profile was evaluated before tooth extraction and after 6‐month healing. Cone‐beam computed tomography scans were taken immediately and 6 months after extraction. Vertical and horizontal bone changes were assessed radiographically. Data were analyzed with Mann‐Whitney U test and α = 0.05. Results No significant differences in soft tissue and vertical bone changes in the medium region of the sockets were found ( P > .05). Buccal bone changes in the mesial and distal sites in the test group were significantly lower than the control group ( P < .05). Ridge width increased from 0.21mm to 5.30mm at 1mm apical from the crest in the test and reduced from 0.12 mm to 1.00 mm in the control groups. Conclusion Ridge preservation at periodontally compromised molar extraction sites might compensate for ridge width and buccal bone resorption that occurs with natural healing alone.