Comparative Analysis of Two Different Techniques for Ridge Preservation Following Tooth Extraction: A Clinical and Radiographic Study.

BACKGROUND

Ridge preservation following tooth extraction is essential for maintaining the alveolar bone structure and facilitating successful dental implant placement. Various techniques have been proposed for this purpose, but there remains a need for comparative analysis to determine their efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This clinical and radiographic study compared two different techniques for ridge preservation: Technique A and Technique B. Fifty patients requiring tooth extraction were randomly assigned to either Technique A or Technique B group. Clinical parameters including pain, swelling, and soft tissue healing were evaluated postoperatively. Radiographic assessments were conducted to measure the dimensional changes in the alveolar ridge at baseline and after 3 months using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

RESULTS

In the Technique A group, postoperative pain scores averaged 2.3 (±0.5) on a visual analog scale (VAS), while in the Technique B group, the average pain score was 2.5 (±0.6). The swelling was minimal in both groups with no significant difference. Soft tissue healing was satisfactory in both groups. Radiographically, the mean vertical bone loss was 1.2 mm (±0.3) in the Technique A group and 0.9 mm (±0.4) in the Technique B group, with a statistically significant difference ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both Technique A and Technique B demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of postoperative discomfort and soft tissue healing. However, Technique B showed superior preservation of vertical ridge dimensions compared to Technique A. Therefore, Technique B may be considered more effective for ridge preservation following tooth extraction.