Ridge preservation using HTR synthetic bone following tooth extraction.

Use of HTR (synthetic bone graft material) has been described to make tooth extraction a more controlled, regimented procedure. Strict adherence to surgical technique, with emphasis on appropriate suturing, is necessary to produce consistently successful results. A variation of an interrupted suture technique, the double-mattress stitch, is described in detail to achieve these results. This suturing method is replicable and applicable to most areas of the mouth. This technique is more challenging (but not impossible) to perform in areas that are difficult to access, such as in maxillary third molar regions. This stitch is essential for closing the extraction site and containing the graft material during initial healing. An ideal bone graft material should prevent postextraction osteitis, and maintain bone in the extraction area and proximal to this site. HTR satisfied these requirements.