Alveolar ridge dimensional changes after two socket sealing techniques. A pilot randomized clinical trial

Objectives This pilot study aimed to assess dimensional changes following two different alveolar socket sealing techniques. Material and methods Twenty-one patients requiring tooth extraction and implant placement were randomly allocated to two different alveolar ridge preservation techniques. In the control group, demineralized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and a gingival soft tissue punch were used to fill and seal the socket, whereas in the test group, the extraction socket was filled with DBBM and sealed with a hemostatic gelatin sponge. Digitalized impressions were taken before and 6 months after tooth extraction. The comparison was made on horizontal and vertical dimensional changes. Results The mean vertical loss was 0.8 +/- 0.6 mm for the control group and 0.7 +/- 0.5 mm for the test one. No statistical difference was found between groups for the vertical shrinkage. The horizontal dimensional narrowing of the alveolar socket was respectively 7.1/4.0/2.5 mm at levels 1, 3, and 5 mm from a coronal reference level for the control group. The test group showed dimensional changes of 4.8/2.3/1.3 mm at the three different levels, respectively. A significant difference was found at levels 3 and 5 mm. Referring to a visual analog pain scale, patients reported more severe pain in the control group (5.7/10) when compared with the test group (2.8/10). The difference was statistically highly significant (P <= 0.001). Conclusions A significant difference was found between control and test groups regarding the horizontal dimensional changes and the post-operative pain.

Automated summary

This pilot study evaluated dimensional changes following two different alveolar socket sealing techniques, finding significant differences between the control and test groups in terms of horizontal dimensional changes and post-operative pain.