Background: Preservation of socket at the time of tooth extraction is driven by the desire to minimize the need for future more invasive ridge augmentation procedures. Moreover, it also facilitates successful implant and conventional prosthetic treatment.
purpose: the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Alvelac™ as a bioscaffold for socket preservation with subsequent placement of immediately loaded dental implants
materials and methods: This study was carried out as a randomized controlled clinical trial. Twenty patients, in need for extraction of a non-restorable posterior maxillary tooth were selected from those attending the outpatient clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University. After selection of the sample conveniently, it was randomly allocated into two equal groups each consisted of ten participants. The study group; in which the maxillary teeth were extracted and the bioscaffold Alvelac™ was inserted into the empty socket and supported by 3-0 black silk with a figure of eight sutures. Three months later, immediately loaded dental implants were inserted. Whereas in the control group;the extraction of teeth was done without introducing any material and the wound was closed and supported by 3-0 silk with a figure of eight sutures. Then three months later, immediately loaded dental implants were inserted
results: As for alveolar bone width and height, the current work reveals statistically significant difference between the two groups, regarding the percent of change three months post-extraction and at the time the implants were inserted. A statistically significant difference was found in bone density between the two groups, immediately post-operative and at the first month after implant insertion. However, at the time of three and six months after implants were inserted, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusions: insertion of the bioscaffold Alvelac™ material in the socket immediately after tooth extraction allows it to act as a scaffold for bone deposition and it assists the natural healing process. Furthermore, treating the socket with Bioscaffold results in natural healing within the given time frame with better bone quality. It is clear that this material allows preservation of the dimensional measures of alveolar bone after tooth extraction. Finally, the material is believed to assist in increasing the success rate of the immediately loaded dental implants.