Dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge contour after different socket preservation techniques

Objectives: The aim of the following study was to assess contour changes after socket preservation techniques. Materials and Methods: In five beagle dogs, the distal root of the third and fourth mandibular premolars was extracted. The following treatments (Tx) were randomly assigned for the extraction socket. Tx 1: BioOss Collagen. Tx 2: BioOss Collagen and a free soft tissue graft. Tx 3: No treatment. Tx 4: The internal buccal aspect was covered with an experimental collagen membrane, the extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen and the membrane folded on top of the graft. Impressions were obtained at baseline, 2 and 4 months after surgery. Bucco-lingual measurements were performed using digital imaging analysis. Results: All groups displayed contour shrinkage at the buccal aspect. Only the differences between the two test groups (Tx 1, Tx 2) and the control group (Tx 3) were significant at the buccal aspect (p <= 0.001). No measurements of the Tx 4 group could be performed. Conclusion: Socket preservation techniques, used in the present experiment, were not able to entirely compensate for the alterations after tooth extraction. Yet, incorporation of BioOss Collagen seems to have the potential to limit but not avoid the post-operative contour shrinkage.