Alveolar ridge preservation with autogenous tooth graft: A histomorphometric analysis of 36 consecutive procedures.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the histomorphometric findings of autogenous tooth grafting (ATG) for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP), using graft material from extracted teeth. Variations by sex, age and location of extracted teeth, as well as any associated complications, were also assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, single-cohort study was conducted using ATG placed in extraction sockets. After 5 months healing, bone biopsies were collected during implant placement and analyzed histomorphometrically to assess new vital bone, residual biomaterial, and connective tissue. The results underwent statistical analysis; non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney test for independent samples and the Kruskal-Wallis test) were applied.

RESULTS

27 patients (16 females, 11 males) underwent 36 ARP procedures. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a mean percentage of new vital bone of 29.14 % ( ± 10.86), residual tooth graft of 10.84 % ( ± 6.82), and intertrabecular connective tissue of 59.87 % ( ± 10.56). No significant differences were found in relation to age, sex or location.

CONCLUSIONS

ATG appears to be a promising material for ARP, without significant complications. Further comparative studies are needed to better understand this material's behavior.