Description

Presented at the AO Annual Meeting
March 11, 2017

From both histological and anatomical point of view, the alveolar bone is a tooth dependent structure that develops in conjunction with eruption, and its topography is determined by the form of the teeth and their axis of eruption. In the first phase of remodeling of the buccal/lingual walls of extraction sites, the bundle bone is resorbed due to the lack of nutritive support from the periodontal ligament and replaced with woven bone. Consequently, the socket’s walls will reduce in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. This resorption may lead to aesthetic and functional disadvantages that can compromise future implant placement since, in order to have a correct endosseous implant positioning, an adequate volume of the bone ridge is essential. Current knowledge suggests to augment fresh extraction sockets rather that to wait for spontaneous healing and perform further guided bone regeneration.

Different techniques have been presented in literature in order to preserve the post extraction site, including the use of barrier membranes, tridimensional matrix and bone fillers. An “open-healing” approach is nowadays commonly used, combining a proper management of soft tissues with biological integration of biomaterials.

Objectives: Upon completion of this presentation, participants should be able to: 1) explain the dynamic of healing of postextraction sockets; 2) select the surgical technique and the biomaterials to perform ridge preservations; and 3) improve the
predictability of the treatments provided for the management of extractions sites.