[An experimental study on alveolar ridge preservation prior to dental implant placement].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the combination of surgical grade calcium sulfate hemihydrate (SGCS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for alveolar ridge preservation prior to implant placement.

METHODS

Changes of bone quantity and quality in extraction sites following the SGCS/PRP and SGCS implantations were investigated by spiral computer tomography scan, bone scintigraphy, radiographic, histological and histomorphometric examinations.

RESULTS

The placement of SGCS/PRP reduced the resorption of the alveolar ridge. It also promoted bone metabolism and bone-to-implant contact. The addition of PRP to SGCS achieved the enhancement of the bone metabolism only at the early healing phase.

CONCLUSIONS

In this animal experiment, SGCS/PRP may be used as fresh extraction sockets graft for alveolar ridge preservation prior to implant placement.